Do you think that the current trophies are given too trivially, or that the trophies selection seems too limited?

Ok, specifically, I'm having a problem with the site's trophies.  My thinking goes like this:  Trophies are typically given to the winner of a game, but many people on the site enjoy giving a trophy to anyone they play, even when the recipient was the losing player.  However, if you look at the trophies available to give after a game, not only are most of them geared towards being presented to the winner, there are many trophies that appear to be appropriate only if they were presented at the beginning of the game! (q.v. "Let's have a Chess Battle", "Let's Duel", "Are you ready to play?", etc.)  My feeling is that Chess.com should re-visit the trophies and make small changes to the captions so that they 1. are appropriate to either winning or losing, and 2. that they address the performance of the game after being concluded; not worded so as to be issued at the beginning of a game.  I believe these small changes will make game trophies more desirable, and maybe even make them a little less trivial.

Your comments are welcome!

good points

I agree.

It would be very good also to be able to send a Trophy to people who go out of their way to help newbies on difficulties  submitted via forums ,message means etc. Also to  know the staff opinion  on   who are most helpfull  would be interesting.

I agree to your point. I recommend that chess.com should do some changes on the caption of the trophies.

I look at the trophies as just being sort of a formal "Thank You" card. Some people send thank you cards, some don't. And of course, not all pre-printed thank yous are going to capture the exact essence of your sentiment -- you can just add anything you'd like to write.

Personally, I get a kick out of the backhanded trophies, like "I slipped." It's like saying, "You didn't beat me -- I beat myself." Too funny...

A rough guide to my criteria.

If I lose, I almost always send a trophy unless there was some reason not to, such as being rude in chat.

If I win, I will send a trophy for the following reasons:

Player was very friendly in chat and it was an enjoyable game (usually gets the good sportsman trophy or the good game one).

If despite the loss, it was still an very well played game and I want to express this sentiment.

I think there should be a couple more alternatives

I also struggle to send a trophy to someone that I enjoyed playing with and who did loose the game.

Reality comes into play here and a selection for trophies in 2 groupings the winners and the loosers could be an alternative.

And possibly on this post people could suggest ideas for a trophy to a looser.

For instance:

1. You fought to the end and deserve a mention.

2. Your opening surprised me!

3. Your middle game was unexpected.

4. You played you best game against me, can we try again?

5. Where did you get this line of play?

6. Your best bet would be to play it safe not to attack.

7. You ship hit shallows waters.

8. You are a shark with missing teeths.

9. Don't feel sorry. I have been there before and many times.

10. Your next game I know will be better from what you have learned in this game.

11. If I may make a suggestion. play with me again.

12. Red roses are not for chess.

13. You failed, then try again. All successes come with trial and error.

14. You started like a wolf and finished like a lamb.

15. The next game will make you better, trust me.

Only a few suggestions for a trophy to a looser, maybe others can add and we can suggest images or icons to represent the idea.

i give them away!

heck! they're free!

I've given "Sorry About the Blunder" from either side of a blunder.  I think it's meant to be given to the person who blundered, but I've given it out when I've screwed up a really good game with a really bad move.

They seem fairly pointless to me, I generally just send one if someone sends me one.

 The possibilities above are really not even worth sending.  There is no genuinity from it.  They should just keep it basic with good game, I surrender, etc.  They have too many dumb and off the subject "trophies."

I have given a trophey to every player i have played.  Its a sign of respect and shows sportsmaship

I agree

yes, i agree

 Not doubting your intention.  But who would you rather get a trophy from?  A person who gives one to everyone regardless of the game? Or, the person who only gives out a handfull of trophies? 

Which one is a sign of respect with more weight behind???

The trophies on here are so lame it's pathetic. Who came up with these things?

I like the ones on letsplaychess. A beer, glass of wine,handshake,etc

To me they are both a sign of respect and good sportsmanship.  I dont think it diminishes the intention just because one person gives more than someone else.

I think the second place ribbon is a great one.  I've given that one to someone who was rude in chat.