(Charles Blair) wrote in message ...
(Scott) writes:

Was anyone present or has heard about the incident with GM Rohde at the New
York State Ch in Saratoga Springs NY in September 1996?

He was visually agitated at his expert level opponent who did not resign at the
first sign of losing the game. Others could tell something was wrong so a
small crowd began to hover. 6-7 moves later when the expert finally hung a
knight he resigned.

He tipped his king and raised his hand to GM Rohde who defiantly refused and
began to lecture him on the proper respect accorded GM's and his right to sleep
instead of playing the additional 20 minutes it took to convince the expert to
resign.

If we are lucky, maybe GM Rohde himself can explain his actions and set the
record straight."

I doubt we can assess this without seeing the actual game. Perhaps
Rohde had a clearly won position at the time the poster refers to
as "first sign of losing the game" but was in danger of losing on time.
If Rohde's opponent was trying to win under these conditions, I don't
blame him for refusing to shake hands one move before mate.

(I don't know that this is what happened, but it strikes me as possible)

I totally disagree. Not shaking hands with someone because they do
not realize their game is completely lost quickly enough to suit you
is being a bad sport. Chessplayers exhibiting this lack of class
sickens me as well as it does the original poster.

That said I'm not sure that GM Rhode did this and even if he did
nobody is perfect. But if this is his attitude I agree that to that
extent he is a jerk.