New forum topic should be - "The kids have taken over chess...."
Beating people OTB is awkward

New forum topic should be - "The kids have taken over chess...."
In USA a kid called Sam Sevian is among the strongest af all players.
Norway was kid-ruled years ago, when Magnus was 14.

Well lots of us in the chess community have noticed in higher stakes tournaments that two chess players will insincerely shake hands. Many times the hand shakes will last less than a second and they won't look at each other in the eye.
So, as you pointed out in Option #1, maybe it's best to just be sincere in whatever OTB situation you are in. Shake hands and say good game. It's like in online chess. You should type "GG" even if you got annhilated or the other way around. Not saying/typing anything could be misinterpreted as being angry, sad, upset, or you don't care enough to say anything to the other person. Especially in a longer game where you faced each other for an hour plus, I think you should acknowledge your opponent after the game. Wouldn't you like to be acknowledged in some way too?
Those are my thoughts.

Ask them who told them they knew how to play chess. Puts the blame on someone who isn't there, and diffuses tension.

Ask them who told them they knew how to play chess. Puts the blame on someone who isn't there, and diffuses tension.
I wouldn't be comfortable with that either. It's like an angry driver shouting out their window, "Hey, who taught YOU how to drive like THAT?!" and then they drive away fast. No bueno.

@dragonair234
Well, you have to sound concerned. "So, ummm, someone told you you knew how to play chess? Whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do."
Shake your head for the effect.

I dont think it is. If they win, i feel bad, cause i should of beat them, but if I win, I say gg, congratulate myself(to myself ) say something nice to them about something they played well, go get something to eat, and get to my next game!

Shake hands and say good game, regardless whether you win or lose. Don't offer advice or commentary on the game unless you are asked for it, and do it back in the skittles room. It's disruptive to analyze in a tournament room, others are usually still playing right next to you.
If you won, complimenting them on something or offering a tip only increases their pain and almost always comes off patronizing, even if that's not your intent. You may think you are being kind or helpful - you are not. Just put the pieces back and walk away - you are still their opponent, who is about to record their loss on the tourney sheet.
Also - RESIGN a clearly losing position. Don't walk around the room for 15 minutes being an ass just because you're pissed you are losing, or force your opponent to make another 20 moves chasing your lone king with his king and rook. You are only making it worse on yourself and being a poor sport to boot...get out of the loss and take more time to recover.

Say good game only analyze if they offer
Good job on deleting those hate comments people have been posting on your wall.

1) Always shake hands and say "Hello" before you start. 2) Then shake hands and say "Interesting game, good luck, see you!" at the end. 3) If they won't shake hands pull out a derringer and shoot them right between the eyes! Well perhaps you can forego the derringer it might disturb others.
Good Luck
Bob

I generally shake hands. But as I said before, it is an option. Some people don't want to shake hands (for example, germaphobia). When it doesn't appear that a handshake is going to work, eye contact and a simple nod of the head is OK, too.
Simple courtesies...that's all these things are. No need to "get bent out of shape".

I have fist-bumping lately. People don't like it but I don't care, because chess players are a nose-picking lot to begin with, and there's a lot of hacking and hewing in a tournament room. The younger kids are fine with it...the older players either look offended or just stare. Good, maybe it throws off their game...

In a similar vein: If they're young, you could ask if they don't have other interests like some sport, or such, and suggest maybe they should focus more on that. If they're old, it's already too late, and appropriate to ask whatever possessed them to waste all those hours of their life when now, near the end, it so obviously amounted to nothing.

The psychological game isn't in the handshake and insults are unsportsman-like. If you want to insult your opponent, play football or hockey. In OTB, try this, always have your head higher than your opponent's head. Don't slouch. If you're opponent is taller, and if really want to take the psych game further, stand up every once in a while.
I can see how it might be a bit emasculating, although it shouldn't be. The best player at the USCF club near me is 12. My friend is 2150 OTB in USCF. He is an "Expert." Almost a Candidate Master. This little boy has crushed him. My friend is the second best player there.