In response to Kupov post.   All of us play to win, but at times, especially newer players trying to learn openings will try try something new.  Good intentions to win, but not sure of the various consequences in a new opening. We will try to win, but sometime learning is better in the long run than winning.

Meyer

i agree.  the only 2 reasons i play live chess is to a. pass time and b. to try stuff--even if it's stuff i've tried before, live chess does little to reflect my "true" ability beyond my ability to try stuff and mess about.  i take online pretty seriously, although i have a long way to go.  haha