Sometimes it's hard to tell just how well you are playing because you know that some people are using computer programs like Fritz and Chessmaster 10 to beat you for ratings. Although some may say it doesn't matter, it does to some, to know how they truly are progressing. If you're playing someone with a computer against you....some people get demoralized and it keeps them from progressing properly. I just wish there were a way to ensure that people couldn't cheat and then we would all be able to get stronger properly. I guess you can get stronger by playing a computer anyway, but there is a reason why fighters have certain weight classes, it's so they don't get pummeled by a stronger opponent and waste their time and energy fighting a fight that is futile. Just noticed that there is no option on the poll for losing against cheaters. To me points matter, they show how much stronger I am getting.....at least generally.

Oh... there should be a choice of NEVER... it is certainly how most of my opponents feels when they are playing... no matter if it is down couple of pawns in the end game or lost a queen in the middle game or couple of peices in the opening... it is always marches on until I disconnect or I check mate him/her or he/she run out of time...

there should be an option 'i dont know - ive never lost a game yet'

[eg I never lost a game to Kramnik or Ivanchuk or Anand :) Also, I never lost to Mohammed Ali at boxing :) ]

Its not if you win or not.

Its how you play the game

B, because after postanalysis, it always turns out ot be the correct answer.

Silly a question!!!  I've lost games that I learn more than from any book, and am kind of gratefull to have lost against some strong players here!

weird... "destroying the world" and "ripping off my opponent's head" aren't options... *sigh*

Of course it also has to do with your opponent's strong play, and you shouldn't forget congratulating him for the win, but (generally) you always lose because you made a mistake. If you didn't make any mistakes, you wouldn't have lost... So #2 for me :P

I went for A, I allways feel I did my best and the better player wins. It can't be any other way.

Choice # 3 is definitely the situation for me; same as life, in general, I guess!  I still enjoy the game and life, anyway! 

If I could, I'd vote both C and D, because more often that not, I fall within two minutes.

First =)