Mediocrity, and Why It's Fun! - Chess Forums

bagelrabbit

Nov 29, 2019

0

#1

Don't get me wrong, I want to get better at chess. It's very satisfying to beat stronger and stronger opponents, rising up the ranks and claiming my rightful place as a Very Good Chess Person. But there are some perks to my mediocrity.

A little background, since I'm new here: I've been playing pretty regularly for about a month and a half after a hiatus of over 10 years, and wow, does it show. I made a lot of dumb mistakes. I'm still making a lot of dumb mistakes. But every time I manage anything even a little impressive, it feels magical.

This is a game I played today. I won, despite being down a rook and two minor pieces. This isn't me trying to brag, or claiming I played well. Obviously I didn't. But I squeaked my way to a narrow victory and had a lot of fun in the process. And thus we come to the title of this post.

I like games that have surprising outcomes, games that feel fresh and new. It's fun to make the most out of unusual positions. Being mediocre and playing mediocre people gives you a "safety net" to take chances. I like testing this net. It's fun, even when things inevitably go awry!

In conclusion, I strongly encourage everyone to be a little worse at chess, because (1) it makes me look better, and (2) it's fun. Thank you.

baddogno

Nov 30, 2019

0

#2

Embrace mediocrity you say? Some us still strive to attain it...

baddogno

Nov 30, 2019

0

#3

Actually that did look like a fun game. When blunders build up it introduces wild imbalances. Chess at higher levels seems more about order than chaos. I'm suddenly having a wild urge to go lose a few games of blitz...Mediocrity, we're on it!

bagelrabbit

Dec 3, 2019

0

#4

baddogno wrote:

Actually that did look like a fun game. When blunders build up it introduces wild imbalances. Chess at higher levels seems more about order than chaos. I'm suddenly having a wild urge to go lose a few games of blitz...Mediocrity, we're on it!

That's the spirit!