I am weird - I do not want to play chess!

Seems like I  have a bit of a problem -  I like solving puzzles, tactics trainer, looking at master games, stuying openings, all kinds of chess training really. I have spent 1-3 hours a day on chess over the last half a year. Sometimes I play against a computer but I really shun playing against real people online or otb.

If I (has been a a few weeks now) get myself to actually play a game, I do not get much satisfaction out of it - If I win, I think my opponent was just some beginner who does not know yet what he/she should do (truth be told, I am a beginner myself) If I lose, I get angry with myself for my patzers.

Am I not competitive enough? Do I shun time pressure up to the point of the ridiculous? What could I do to get over this fear?

Forget about chess and start dating women.

Just play, it is the only way to find out how good you are at the game.

perhaps set the rating seek to:

minimum: your rating
maximum: your rating + 200

then you always get opponents that are equal/stronger.

Personally I dont like the opening and always look forward to move 8,9,10 :)

move 10 is still the opening.

not always.

usually.

whether move ten is still the opening depends on the players and on the game. This does not really address my issue.

I think the OP is saying he only likes to play with himself.

But thats about where variation starts kicking in (in my games atleast)

+1

+2

+3.

Hi Bartleby73

I think chess has got you spooked.  To be good at chess I think you have to have nerves of steel and really believe in yourself....never give up.  You have to be relaxed yet focused, not prone to panicing.  You have to widen your view and not get too focused on one thing either.  You have to forget about past failures and look to each game with fresh entusiasm.  Forget about intimidation, believe in your moves and make sure that every single move you do is the absolute best you can do.  Remember 5 solid moves is better than 4 brilliant moves and one bad move.  Also you need a life outside of chess or you could become too stuffy and this could affect your game. 

Rook Rumble, I agree with you on all counts. Unfortunately, I do not have much of a life outside chess atm. Wonder why that is... Ah its part of my job, thats why.  And to everybody who suggests I should start dating: I am happily married, thank you.

yes you are weird, but for other reasons     lol

I know someone who feels the same way - highly educated, loves chess theory, reads articles, studies tactics, but doesn't like to actually play chess.

For the person I'm thinking of, it's a perfectionist / control issue. If you never put yourself out there in tournaments (especially OTB) you can never experience the wide swing of emotions that comes with winning one game, then losing in 10 moves to a very young child.

Suck it up, play some games, and don't worry about the outcome. You'll have an awesome time, and probably make friends while you're at it.

Never let the fear of losing keep you from playing the game.

/agree!