vstjrt: Maybe he just doesn't know how to play and is an experiential learner, learning as the game progresses. Over time, a player will learn when they are beat, some will resign and some hold on hope for the win by time out.
I for one know nothing about the game so I would end up playing until it was obvious to me (a beginner) that I was beat. Most experienced players know when a game is won long before the novice, and it doesn't really matter what the game type is.