There's been some discussion in the club recently about the 42 move 'rule' (convention) in the league when one or both players decide they have had enough on reaching the time control. This can only be done if either a) both players agree on the result or b) it is impossible for the player who stops playing to lose on time before the stated end of the playing session, i.e. if, after the 15 minute addition, the player were to go on 'thinking' until 10:45 s/he would still have time on the clock.* However, there is one point to notice here, especially for captains: this can only work if the finishing time is clearly stated and agreed at the start of the match. This prevents anyone declaring a 'posthumous' win after the event if it was their opponent's turn to move. (Yes, really!!)
Many still consider the time controls in the league to be inappropriate in not ensuring that the match is played out in the time available, leading to all kinds of complaints and complications, discussions, emails, engines and adjudications. Opinion is divided, but the league has stuck firmly to its conviction that three hours isn't long enough for the match to finish in an evening. But is it really worth the hassle?
* PS It's important to confer with your opponent about your decision to stop play - don't just pass the time in contemplation and then rely on an expired finishing time just as your flag falls!! The above is just a guide to when you can choose to stop playing.
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