A Good Game

A good game on chess.com

For me, a good game is not necessarily one that I win. I know! That's ridiculous, right?

Well, sure. I enjoy stomping on my opponent as much as the next guy (or gal). But really, the games I've enjoyed the most have been those I found to be challenging.

One of the best games I've played on chess.com ended as a draw (although, my opponent should have beaten me, in my own humble opinion). Usually, I don't like draws.

A few games where I've lost have been really fun. Really!

The best, of course, have been those games where the outcome was in doubt for most of the game but somehow, I managed to outwit my opponent (sometimes, by the skin of my teeth) and checkmate him.

Those games where my opponent resigned (or where I did) also have a special place.

There have also been a few times where I suspected my opponent was using a chess engine. Those are my least favorite games. If I want to get beat by a chess engine, I can do it anytime. I very rarely beat one (or even draw). What's the point of playing against a machine? And if you are one of the people who use one, what do you think is the point of winning?

In my opinion, the ratings on chess.com are for those of us who want to find a game where we have both the chance of winning AND the chance of losing.

Let's face it. Not many of us have even a remote chance of winning against a master (or a chess engine).

For myself, I'm happy to play those in a range of + or - 50 points of my own current rating, while realizing that those who are rated 100 or more points below me could beat me and that I might possibly beat those who are rated 100 or more points above me.

The main thing is to have a "Good Game!"

Fri 26 Oct 2012 06:56:31 CDT
jamesing