I'm new to chess.  My 7 year old grandson taught me and continued to beat me, so my pride forced to learn to play.  Love the challenge, but can't fathom why when I make a mistake, some players (only a few mind you) put very insulting comments on my chat space.  I thought that this is a sophisticated game with good sportmanship encouraged.  Since I will not fall to that level  I turn off the chat.  To my unfortunate early challengers, I apologize for lots of mistakes, to my current challengers, I appreciate playing with you, because you are mentoring me.

Best wishes.

well some people just need a place to blow off some steam, others need a place where they can lose thier temper, others just have the off tendancy to be a complete and utter spoilsport as well as something Jesus rode on

I am not a Granpa, I'm a Nana and proud of it.  I do appreciate your feedback though, and if I can just find my "specs" and get my teeth out of the jar, I'll just have some cookies and milk and play some chess. :)

Poor sportsmanship is found  in any game -   in Chess, choose your opponents carefully and report any that are unfriendly, etc.  You don't deserve the rude comments.

@phoenix66: I am sorry that you have had to endure abuse. You are wise to turn off the chat when it occurs. You are handling this unpleasant situation just fine! 

As you have likely gathered, you will have to endure abuse and rudeness from time to time in the forums as well. You seem to really know how to handle it gracefully. I sincerely hope you enjoy your further experiences on this, the best chess site on the web (in my opinion, anyway). Best of luck in your games!

Thank you all for your kind responses.  I'm adjusting to the many varied moods of my opponents and learning not to take it seriously.  In the meantime, every game I play teaches me something and I love the game more each day (much to the chagrin of my husband who feels these days like a "chess husband"  Cheers to all.

there are ******* in all walks of life.this site has no shortage of them....disabling the chat works wonders...you don't have to deal with the psychological warfare...just focus on the board.

Fortunately, at least in my experience, they are not the majority here, and if you hang around here long enough, you can hopefully gradually create a circle of friends with whome you can enjoy to play and chat. 

Of course, you also apparently felt the need to post this, so it looks like you had a bit of steam to vent yourself...

Actually, I guess it would be more like this...

No, it was more shock at rude behavior.  If I felt steamed, I would have gotten into a contest of nastiness, but that is not my style.  Forgive me for sharing.

okay

If you ever want a friendly game of chess, you can challenge me any time. I don't ever spew meanness in the chat box. Best of luck to you.

Totally agree with the above.  I make more mistakes than most. I too am a beginner (a rather dumb one I fear). And it's most reassuring to read you.

Hoping to play with you more.

It also seems the vast majority of players who do this are in live rather than turn based. I play mainly turn based and haven't had a single problem with rude chat in the three years I've been here.  

Redijedi, I tried to challene you, but you only accept upwards of 800.  I'll try again in a few month, (I'm around 750 now),  Thanks anyway.  And to spes, hi again, you're not dumb and I enjoy playing with you and learning about Italia.  Ciao!

   I don't mind winning or losing as long as I played to the best of my ability and the games are civil. I will play anyone who wants to challenge me to some chess games.

I think turning off chat is good if you want to talk to freinds you made on line , you can talk through the chess games !!! some people dont know how to be nice , it is not in there nature . just dont pay them any mind and they may get the hint  that you play for fun and not for gain !!!!!!!

My experience is that the more immature members contribute most of the profanity laced chat during games. Trashtalking doesn't belong in chess, but it seems to take some players a couple of decades to realize that.

Surely not. The comment by Phoenix66 sounded calm and measured to me.