Approaching a new chess gathering

Hey Brian,

I have visited clubs in many areas of the country, for example, SC, NC, AZ, PA, IN, GA, KS, NJ, KY, and GA. Chess players typically aren't that great in the area of social skills. They often ignore visitors, so it can be intimidating just from that standpoint. Just play whomever you can get a game with and don't worry about losing, even losing badly. Ask questions, and most stronger players will help you once they see that you are genuinely interested in the game. A friend of mine, who once beat Bobby Fischer, tells beginners at our club that ask for advice that they should be prepared to lose a thousand games before they get good. Perhaps an exaggeration, but you get the idea. Good luck to you.

In chess,

-David

Wow!

And that was her speech at her coronation!

"...and I swear if I was a Starbucks manager " that the thing is, you are not the manager, so is not your problem.

Let us know how did it go.

I don't like Starbucks, so I don't go there, but you are way, way offbase.  You talk about how if it were your business, you would chase all those people off?  Those idiots who hang out for hours drinking $8 coffee and such are how they make money.  It's because of those people that Starbucks is such a successful, profitable franchise with a store on every other corner.

Do I want to go hang out there?  No, not a chance.

But do I get my panties in a wad because they have a successful business model?  No,  I don't.

LOL! You think Starbucks is bad try the local Barnes and Noble. People go in there and sleep.

chessguitar,

Would you be bothered if I used your statement to support another topic that I am in the midst of discussing? I have a few questions to ask you which are involved in my research, before I do so. Let me know if you are willing to participate.

LOL

Not really, just small talk.

...she never had nothing on me.

I feel like eating some waffles for breakfast, who wants to make me some?

I've had similar experiences at Chess clubs, whether they meet in Starbucks or in libraries.

I've been a big advocate of low cost, low pressure, almost "casual" tournaments.  Some people have often told me that what I'm really looking for is "club" chess instead of "tournament" chess.  They don't understand that part of what I want to accomplish is precisely avoiding the sort of experience from the OP, which are all too common.  The tournament format creates a structure that avoids the awkward experience described above.  It's not the only reason I prefer tournaments to clubs, but it's in the top three.

What makes a huge difference in the newcomers' quality of experience in a Chess club is the presence of just one person in the club who has a clue and a few social skills, who sees someone he doesn't recognize, and is willing to introduce himself to the newcomers and greet them.

I've observed and experienced numerous types of baggage in my life, from sexual issues to my-ex-tried-to-knife-me, but chess baggage ... and the style with which you put it out there ... I think I'm in love.

If you kill them all, you will be the best player at the club.  I am just putting it out there.  Not saying its right, just viable.

 Yes, I admit it.

Dealing with ignorant people who can so comfortably misjudge something of what they know nothing of (i.e., me) has always seem to motivationally enthuses me with amusement.