I agree. Just play chess. Though I'm probably susceptible...when opponents even talk in my chat window, I find it hard to focus.
Psychology
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I hope none of you took my response seriously. I don't take this thread seriously.
Glare at your opponent incessantly as he considers his move. Just as he reaches for a piece shake your head slowly as if to say "I can't believe you're making that move." Press your clock plunger deliberately and forcefully. Invite a sexy female friend to come sit behind you and observe the game. Smoke a cigar...no, you can't do that any more. Dr. Lasker and others did that to throw their opponent off.
If you get thrown out of a tournament don't blame me. I would never use such tactics myself.
it was a joke. . .
I was joking back. 
yeah i was talking about electricpawn who seemed indignant that I would resort to such tactics
;)
I didn't realize you were joking. Considering some of the things said in earnest on these threads, that's not surprising.
you could always just ostentatiously take out your CS spray an' put it on the table next to your bottle of whisky - chances are that might interfere with oppo's concentration
Body Odor?
Feb 24, 2010
0
#31
Ziryab wrote:
put a captured piece behind the clock, turn your own knights backwards, set pieces on the edges of the squares, smile or frown at inappropriate times
I realize that these have been largely humorous posts but this one has me wondering. Does it really matter what direction the knights are facing in an OTB chess game?
It would seem inconsequential if they were looking at the opponent or looking at you or looking sideways.
Is this in the rules anywhere?
You could always refrain from bathing for a few days beforehand. 
I don't put much stock in psychological ploys, if it doesn't work on me I wouldn't try it on my opponent.
Feb 25, 2010
0
#33
Arstan wrote:
Ziryab wrote:
put a captured piece behind the clock, turn your own knights backwards, set pieces on the edges of the squares, smile or frown at inappropriate times
I realize that these have been largely humorous posts but this one has me wondering. Does it really matter what direction the knights are facing in an OTB chess game?
It would seem inconsequential if they were looking at the opponent or looking at you or looking sideways.
Is this in the rules anywhere?
AFAIK, the rules omit any mention of the knights' face. It does matter, however, to some of those I've played. If it matters to them and my callous disregard of the importance of such things aggravates them, then I relish the psychological advantage I gain.
I do not seek manipulation of my opponent's psyche, but when weaknesses are advertised ...
It's not really "psychology" if you don't know much about your opponent and his preferences and weaknesses. It's just being a poor sport jerk who deserves to lose.
"Psychology" in chess as applied by Lasker, Fischer, Kasparov, etc. entails a very deep knowledge of the opponent and attempting to use that on the board, not being a jerk off the board. Tal was said to "stare" at his opponents but that was just the way he looked when playing, not an affectation trying to disturb the opponent.
how is it poor sportsmanship to look for weaknesses in your opponnets playing?