He looks mean!
How confident are you in your chess skills?
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AussieMatey
Feb 7, 2017
0
#21
Feb 7, 2017
0
#22
MickinMD wrote:
When I was rated about 1300 OTB in the '90's, I walked by the Maryland Chess Assn. booth at the State Fair where about 20 simultaneous boards were set up at, I think, $1/game bet where you won $5 if you beat the MCA master or expert manning the booth - you made you move each time the MCA guy walking inside reached your board. An NM who knew me as both a lower rated player, high school chess coach, and a scholastic Tournament Director was working the booth. He saw me, he waved me over and asked me if I would take over for 30 minutes while he used the restroom and got something to eat. I reminded him of my rating and he said, "Don't worry, you'll win more than you'll lose.
He was right. I played about 20 games during that 1/2 hour, no more than about 10 at any moment, and didn't lose any - several were clearly won in less than 10 moves! Some friends and members of my family passed by to check on me every once in while and I got a kick out of the fact they were impressed with the casual chess players who lost saying to their friends, "This guy is phenomenal!"
That was my big day in chess - I won our county high school coaches tournament each year, but even though they were all weak players, nobody said I was phenomenal!
On the other hand, if I was walking through a coffeehouse or park where known chess experts played blitz games for money, I sure wouldn't in a hurry to bet!
Neat story....but just wondering...am i the only person that read this as "Maryland Chess Assassination Booth" the first time?
Check this game out!
I did play some hustlers for 5$ / game in Washington Square and for 2€ / game in Budapest - not for the money but because of the experience and fun of playing. I had a positive overall score but didn't take any money from them, as it must be very hard to make a living as a chess hustler. Especially if you get beaten by weak players like me...
Since I am very realistic about my skills, I wouldn't play for more money than I would be willing to donate as a "starting fee".
you can neither be arrogant or bashful. IMHO.
to be either way marks you as a beginner.
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thegreat_patzer wrote:
you can neither be arrogant or bashful. IMHO.
to be either way marks you as a beginner.
Well said. We had some kid show up one night, and proceeds to annouce: "Who is the best player here?" The "proud" parents dont say a word. I point to Evan. Evan plays the kid, and beats the kid rather quickly. he hasnt been seen since.
Evan's rating?
ESP-918 wrote:
Evan's rating?
Around 800 at the time.
If a stranger approaches me to play chess for money, I assume the stranger wants to steal my money or he/she is pretty dumb. Wasting time with con artists or idiots is none of my concern.
Supposing this would happen in some kind of alternative world, it would be an interesting exercise... Seeing how I'd push myself to win, regardless of the opponent's strength. I'll play anyone stronger just to see how I manage.
Some interesting answers, but please stay on topic
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I am pretty confident but I would play for 5 or 10 bucks keeping it fun and a little challenging :)
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I would probably say no to any money offered as a wager.
Sep 12, 2017
0
#38
I don't know how confident I am. I just enjoy playing. I would love to play for a bit of money. If I lose, I don't mind. If I win, well, I earned a little money from enjoyment or pleasure.
