Draw by agreement

A draw by agreement occurs when both players accept ending the game without a winner. Acceptance turns the proposal into a final draw result, and the game ends immediately. Under the rules of the International Chess Federation, both players must have made at least one move.

Procedure in over-the-board play

The proper time to offer a draw is after making the move on the board and before pressing the chess clock. An offer made at another time is still valid, although it must not distract or annoy the opponent. The offer may not carry conditions and cannot be withdrawn. It remains valid until the opponent accepts it, rejects it verbally, touches a piece with the intention to move or capture, or the game ends in another way.

Event regulations may forbid agreements before a specified move number or require the arbiter's consent. The arbiter is the official responsible for applying the rules. Online interfaces replace the physical procedure with buttons, but the conceptual distinction remains: offering is not agreeing; only acceptance ends the game.