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draw automatically given when l lost on time?

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ratkins

I just played a game where I lost on time, but the system gave me a draw.  My opponent only had his king, I had a rook and bishop.  I just couldn't mate him in time.  The computer said "drawn insufficient material."  Is that by design, or a flaw?  Do you automatically get a draw in live chess if your opponent has insuficient material to mate?

My opponent seems a touch annoyed/surprised that he/she didn't get the win, as he/she did win on time.  It was also my understanding that you lose, period, if your time expires.

NotKasparov

According to the wikipedia article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_chess, "A player whose time runs out automatically loses, unless the opposing player has insufficient material to mate, in which case the game is a draw."

likesforests

It's by design, and similar rules are used in OTB tournaments... see USCF Rule 14E1.