I mean it is a nice thing to say regardless of how the game went. A game of chess against another human is always nice in my book. I just like to say it if I played someone a couple of games. But once in a while people react as if I made a sarcastic taunt if I won.
It is a nice thing. As you said, it is surprising how many people take it or hear it sarcastically.
It is sad that so many people seem to be wound so tightly.
Perhaps that phrase has been overused and saying the same thing in a different manner might work.
I mean it is a nice thing to say regardless of how the game went. A game of chess against another human is always nice in my book. I just like to say it if I played someone a couple of games. But once in a while people react as if I made a sarcastic taunt if I won.