It is depressing.

It really stresses me out when i keep playing even though i am on a loosing streak.  It is this sort of compulsive play that makes me feel like an addict.  I go up and down in my rating all the time but on those days that i play crap i can go down as much as 80 points in one day.

Do others experience this kind of thing and how do you deal with it.  I am mortified.

Maybe you should actually try to analyze those losses and see where you're going wrong. With a stronger player ideally. Also perhaps try to assess what state of mind you were in at the time that may have been causing the loss of form.

I would imagine we all go through losing phases so no you're not on your own. I find when I'm on a losing streak I like to kill off the games I'm losing in rather than drag the losses out. I'd rather be optimistic about the games I have in progress than knowing I have another move to make in a game that I can't win. Hoping and praying for your opponent to make a mistake so you have a chance at a win is a depressing state of affairs and best avoided by a quick resignation.

Good point i never analyze my games much.  I will take this on bored. I go into a trance with chess and no matter what my frame of mind is I keep playing. My mates call me the chess monster.  It is like i am possessed.  Great if i am winning but bad bad bad if i am losing.

Dont feel bad about losing 80 points in a day.  I have lost hundreds in a day playing blitz on icc and gained that many as well....... !  If I could make myself quit when I am on a losing streak this wouldnt happen,  alas........

I am not talking about one or two losses.  It could be as many as 10 in a row.  I still carry on playing.  I wish i could just stop on my bad days and play at my best.  I always wake up the next day, after i have been battered and think why did i play so compulsively.  2 late by then though.

once i went over 20 games without winning

thats ok:) one common thing strong chessplayers have is that they get so frustrated when they lose they analyse their loss trying very hard to never do the same mistake again. not just looking at a last move and claiming they lost to a blunder but checking if they played good uptil then. maybe they chose a bad plan or something. losing 10 times in a row is great. you removed yourself of 10 weaknesses:)

Actually, being in an inferior position (not a queen down but maybe a couple of pawns or under a strong attack, or even a piece down) can help you become a better player. Instead of losing willingness to play, stop for a moment. Think about your position really carefully. Use your time. Put the fiercest resistance you can find. In this way not only you improve your chance of drawing (or winning) but you'll see how your play will become better - you'll find tactics and weaknesses easier.

For me defending tough positions was really difficult, mainly from a psychological point of view. It's still not easy but I can see how it improves my play. Use those losing streaks to learn how to defend and create problems for your opponent.

I'm sorry I thought you were refering to C.C.

Yes, it is important for us to review our loses and wins to see where we could have improved our play. We need also to do a "self diagnosis" to determine our strengths and weaknesses... and put a plan in action to improve on our weaknesses...end game?..opening theory?..tactics?

Also...sometimes we need to get away from the game all together...to recharge our batteries so to speak...and come back refreshed...or maybe some other outside force is the cause for our lost of focus...which we need to address before we can achieve a balance.

Good Luck on improving you play...but remember your wellbeing is even more important. 

Thanks for all your replies and i understand how to improve my games.  what i am troubling with is why i don't take time out when i am playing crap.  Its like i want to play more , I keep playing and playing like a headless chicken.  I feel so sad when I get like this.  I am not joking.  Chess has affected my relationships with people, how much money i earn and my creativity.  I am truely fed up with it all.

Jacqueline, it cos u is subconsciously aware that things do happen in cycles and these lead to ´streaks´ which you know must end eventually, which is why you push for that eventuality  - only solution, deep breath, turn off comp, say to yourself "I´ll sort it out later" and walk away for a bit  Good luck

That's what I said - don't take losses as something bad. Instead, think of them as an opportunity and you'll see how you won't mind playing bad positions or losing games.

But if chess is really taking such a toll on your life, maybe it's best if you take a break from it. At least for a couple of months.

"Thanks for all your replies and i understand how to improve my games.  what i am troubling with is why i don't take time out when i am playing crap.  Its like i want to play more , I keep playing and playing like a headless chicken.  I feel so sad when I get like this.  I am not joking.  Chess has affected my relationships with people, how much money i earn and my creativity.  I am truely fed up with it all."

"Jacquelineheaney", These last words you chose to disclose, clearly indicates that you have identified this as a major problem currently in your life. It is not just a matter of "taking a deep breath", or "what poor move did I make?"

I remember reading another blog...and was surprised to learn that the OP was indicating that he was leaving chess because he had become so addicted to the game that he had put chess first in his life at the expense of his career, and he was now suffering financially because of that poor decision.

It seems that you feel somewhat the same way...that the time you devote to chess has impacted negatively on your relationships, your earning ability and even your wellbeing.

It can be easy to become addicted to such a great game as chess, but it is only a game...maybe a place to forget our troubles for a brief time...but meantime back in the real world we have our families, friends, career, health and general wellbeing to think about...and I would say they are more important.

It is great that you have identified the problem...now you need to identify solutions to take away the negative current situation. Maybe some professional advice may help.

Remember the secret to life is moderation.

Sincerely wishing you a positive turnaround.

I could never give up chess for a couple of months, it is my love.  I go to bed thinking chess and it is the first thing i do in the morning and I take my chess computer everywhere i go.  Even my art work is based around the game. I would like to try and have a break though, to see what happens.

I like what Mike from Scotland has suggested, that i should stop playing if i have had 2 losses.  He has really gauged what is happening in my head with regard to this  I am going to allow myself 3.  I bet i cant do it though.  

I am aware that i use chess as a way of distracting from some of my real issues. It is like a drug and the points are a way of feeding the habit. Crazy.

Being addicted to anything is a major problem...drugs, sex, gambling...and yes even chess. We must get that great feeling that the fix gives us...but eventually it causes chaos in our life...and if we are not smart enough to recognize that, it will eventually consume us, and destroy everything we truly hold dear. We must therefore act before it is too late.

I find it strange if you're so obsessed with chess that you play so much, yet don't study the game more... 

its not that strange. playing chess is fun:) reading hundreds of pages on rookendings is not

i lost over 90 in a row...

well... cause i quit temporary (this site, not chess)