to allow or not allow takebacks • page 1/3 • General Chess Discussion • lichess.org

I've just recently started playing on lichess. I have my takebacks set on my profile to "casual games only."

I've played a couple thousand games of chess. In many of those games, winning or losing came down to a critical move, or a critical mistake. Either by me, or by my opponent. In post game analysis, you can see advantage point swings of sometimes 14 points.... that move made all the difference.

I started playing with the default for takebacks --- and I found that in many games, the players made a mistake only to realize it AFTER I've already captured their piece. I started off allowing the takebacks, only to then go on and lose the game. I may not have won, but there's a reasonable chance I would have as a result of their mistake.

The opponents often say it was a "mouse slip", but moving the same piece to ANY nearby square wouldn't have made sense. They didn't mouse slip, they just failed to take the time to think through the move. This often happens with a move time of 2 or 3 seconds. They were going too fast --- which I often do, and blundered. It wasn't time pressure, they could have used minutes to think through the move decision.

The main cause of why I lose games almost always comes back to blundering a rook, or a queen. The blunder IS the inflection point. If I had a mulligan for every game, I'd probably have a higher rating.

I had someone today who was aghast that I had takebacks set that way. Why should the responsibility to protect the opponents' good position in the game fall on me?

What's the common etiquette surrounding those, and what do most users do?

I've just recently started playing on lichess. I have my takebacks set on my profile to "casual games only." I've played a couple thousand games of chess. In many of those games, winning or losing came down to a critical move, or a critical mistake. Either by me, or by my opponent. In post game analysis, you can see advantage point swings of sometimes 14 points.... that move made all the difference. I started playing with the default for takebacks --- and I found that in many games, the players made a mistake only to realize it AFTER I've already captured their piece. I started off allowing the takebacks, only to then go on and lose the game. I may not have won, but there's a reasonable chance I would have as a result of their mistake. The opponents often say it was a "mouse slip", but moving the same piece to ANY nearby square wouldn't have made sense. They didn't mouse slip, they just failed to take the time to think through the move. This often happens with a move time of 2 or 3 seconds. They were going too fast --- which I often do, and blundered. It wasn't time pressure, they could have used minutes to think through the move decision. The main cause of why I lose games almost always comes back to blundering a rook, or a queen. The blunder IS the inflection point. If I had a mulligan for every game, I'd probably have a higher rating. I had someone today who was aghast that I had takebacks set that way. Why should the responsibility to protect the opponents' good position in the game fall on me? What's the common etiquette surrounding those, and what do most users do?

Deadban

#2

There's no etiquette about it. You either accept it or decline it, everyone is free to make their choices.

InkyDarkBird

#3

I offer a takeback if it is believable enough (for example opponent made an extreme blunder and starts begging for mercy in the chat). If I can't offer a takeback (for example in arena). I offer a draw if it is a higher rated player (for example a 2000 rated person blundered his queen so i offered draw), and I don't do anything if it is a lower rated player (idk about similar rated players).

what_game_is_this

#4

I have never, and never will request a takeback. I have allowed takebacks. Winning or losing isn't very important. I accept losing after allowing takebacks as I will learn something by that loss. The reason I don't request a takeback is that I think you should learn from your mistakes. I you request a takeback you will learn at a slower rate, if at all.

keithchess11

#5

@what_game_is_this said in #4:

The reason I don't request a takeback is that I think you should learn from your mistakes. I you request a takeback you will learn at a slower rate, if at all.

Absolutely. The "sting" (and that's probably a bit much, still) of losing the game as a result of my carelessness is a lesson. The takeback is a crutch. If you've got to rely on the mercy of your opponent to win, are you really playing this game as intended?

@what_game_is_this said in #4: > The reason I don't request a takeback is that I think you should learn from your mistakes. I you request a takeback you will learn at a slower rate, if at all. Absolutely. The "sting" (and that's probably a bit much, still) of losing the game as a result of my carelessness is a lesson. The takeback is a crutch. If you've got to rely on the mercy of your opponent to win, are you really playing this game as intended?

keithchess11

#6

@InkyDarkBird said in #3:

I offer a takeback if it is believable enough (for example opponent made an extreme blunder and starts begging for mercy in the chat). If I can't offer a takeback (for example in arena). I offer a draw if it is a higher rated player (for example a 2000 rated person blundered his queen so i offered draw), and I don't do anything if it is a lower rated player (idk about similar rated players).

Maybe my ego is higher than my rating, but I could never/would never ask/beg for a takeback. Have some self-respect! I might be angry, at myself, and resign but asking for the takeback and then subsequently winning wouldn't feel right. So the recipient of the generosity doesn't/can't repay the favor.... I guess only to other players.

Seems like a moral quandary to me, which is why I posted it.

Thanks

@InkyDarkBird said in #3: > I offer a takeback if it is believable enough (for example opponent made an extreme blunder and starts begging for mercy in the chat). If I can't offer a takeback (for example in arena). I offer a draw if it is a higher rated player (for example a 2000 rated person blundered his queen so i offered draw), and I don't do anything if it is a lower rated player (idk about similar rated players). Maybe my ego is higher than my rating, but I could never/would never ask/beg for a takeback. Have some self-respect! I might be angry, at myself, and resign but asking for the takeback and then subsequently winning wouldn't feel right. So the recipient of the generosity doesn't/can't repay the favor.... I guess only to other players. Seems like a moral quandary to me, which is why I posted it. Thanks

alicemia

#7

For me I never allow takebacks and never send them. I think it is unfair and that people need to learn from their mistakes.

NickUK1969

#8

To allow takebacks in chess when it is NOT an obvious mouseslip turns the game into a farce in my opinion...when does it end? How many takebacks until the game is concluded?
Its silly....

To allow takebacks in chess when it is NOT an obvious mouseslip turns the game into a farce in my opinion...when does it end? How many takebacks until the game is concluded? Its silly....

VeerKChess1

#9

It is your choice accept or decline. No one is forcing you.

FlyingDog

#10

I don't ask for or grant takebacks. Until I changed my mouse, I had three games where I placed pieces on squares that I didn't intend to. I didn't ask for a takeback. I wouldn't accept one if offered to me. I changed back to a USB mouse from a wireless one and no longer have that problem. Yes, I can still make a mouse slip. But that would be my fault, not my opponents.

You have to do what you think is best.

I don't ask for or grant takebacks. Until I changed my mouse, I had three games where I placed pieces on squares that I didn't intend to. I didn't ask for a takeback. I wouldn't accept one if offered to me. I changed back to a USB mouse from a wireless one and no longer have that problem. Yes, I can still make a mouse slip. But that would be my fault, not my opponents. You have to do what you think is best.