Funny Posters - Food for Thought

     First rule of chess is: YOU DON'T TALK ABOUT...wait! That was something else. But a good rule of thumb is, if you don't like losing, don't play chess. Right?      There is always someone either better than you hands down, or someone whose playing style will work against yours.

     Sometimes I find that I play a "newbie" who happens to play things radically different from standard book lines, which sometimes works against me. I may underestimate the value of that line (whether they played it by chance or intent, who knows) or I play conservatively to "see" what will happen (playing conservatively is usually bad, I feel) and then I get squashed for space or tempi. But I digress. To play is to lose. But to learn is to win!

     Chess and poker aren't all that different, eh? In poker, sometimes the win comes from the cards, but most often, I am told, the win comes from the player. In poker, you aren't supposed to play the cards as much as the opponent. I have read that this is a truth in great chess battles.

     A Grandmaster may research what his/her opponent typically plays and also what his/her opponent typically loses against, and try to force an opening line in that direction. This would make said opponent somewhat more likely to err. Bobby Fischer I have read would often just stare coldly at his opponent to make him nervous. I have a friend I play casually with at a local club (and we have a rule that it is okay to make small talk) who will say things like "Wow. You chose THAT? Really?" or "So you think THAT'S the best move? Interesting." This makes me second guess myself. Some might call this dirty pool, but I like the psychology. I like winning on the board and in my opponent's head.

     This is true. I have been told there are lots of cheaters on this site (and others, no doubt). People who value a rating more than the game of chess itself. Some people are just superficial. But when push comes to shove, those people will collapse when a "Real" game is played.

     On a side note, the sore losers. Hmm. I always think that a sore loser makes the victory that much sweeter. It means I got to him, right? Sometimes their tactics are nasty. "Time thief" I have been called, for playing real fast and winning in bullet chess. (I don't use premoves!) Sometimes they claim I got lucky, but then they refuse to rematch (some have gone as far as to block me immediately following!) This list goes on. But let 'em whine. I came here to play chess, not to babysit and change diapers.

     Um. What to say here? Neat version? I can't say I have ever been drunk and played, actually. Though I hear it is how some of the greatest players used to do it, at least, in casual play.
     I guess if I did play this version and was looking for a buzz, I wouldn't try for a mate in four. And think of the mess! I am a "slap that piece down to instill fear" type of player. Bring a paper towel.

And the quote by Franklin? Too general and obvious to be anything special, I say. Anyone else know any good chess quotes/analogies? (from non chess superstars, preferably)

And the last pic below this is just kinda silly. This post was somewhat winging it.

Great talk, guys

Haha. Posters. I see. Nope.