Why do chess players never smile after they won? Are they never happy?

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ChessHands86

A few months ago I started regularly watching live streams of chess tournaments and I noticed that after every game, the winner strangely seems depressed, whereas the loser's face expression can only be described as downright suicidal. I mean I understand that the winner can't jump up and down and scream like a football player, but at least they could smile? Or show some other semblance of a positive emotion? I just think this is extremely weird and wonder why chess players never seem to be happy. Can anyone explain? Thanks. :-)

llama36

In football it's probably useful to jump up and down and be excited during a game, but in chess your emotions will make you play worse. So (in the case of professional players) they sit there for 5, 6, 7 hours and stay calm and focused. You can't just flip a switch and suddenly be excited as soon as the game is over.

There's also fatigue. After a long tense game OTB I mainly feel two things:  relieved and tired... and usually more tired than relieved. Look at the face of a long distance runner when they cross the finish line, they probably look like they're in agony too, even if they just won. The celebration comes later after a good meal and some sleep.

And it's not like chess players don't smile after a game... it's just... they're not going to jump up and down.

llama36

Also there are usually other games going on. I've won some OTB tournament games where I'm really excited to have won, but you have to stay very quiet until you leave the room.

And professionals, you know, they probably smile more after the tournament is over. Winning a game on day 1 of a 20 day event doesn't mean a lot. Of course they'd rather win than anything else, but it's a long event.

AussieMatey

I usually get out my Chess Hands and clap them. That makes me happy.

snoozyman

Chess speaks for itself.

Derek-C-Goodwin

The might, even after winning, have the ole "coulda woulda shudda" thing going on.

GaborHorvath

I think it is also out of respect for your opponent, who might be extremely frustrated after a defeat. You don't want to irritate them further with a big smirk on your face. 

In my experience, chess players do smile a lot after a win - back in their hotel room, when they show the game to their training buddy. That is the time to get cocky and self-congratulatory. happy

idilis
ChessHands86 wrote:

A few months ago I started regularly watching live streams of chess tournaments and I noticed that after every game, the winner strangely seems depressed, whereas the loser's face expression can only be described as downright suicidal. I mean I understand that the winner can't jump up and down and scream like a football player, but at least they could smile? Or show some other semblance of a positive emotion? I just think this is extremely weird and wonder why chess players never seem to be happy. Can anyone explain? Thanks. :-)

This might explain

premio53

Would you smile if you knew this could happen?

https://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0112/497300-castleknock-body/

And be very careful if you play against a computer and win.

https://anomalien.com/the-case-when-computer-electrocuted-a-chess-master-for-winning/

eric0022
AussieMatey wrote:

I usually get out my Chess Hands and clap them. That makes me happy.

 

How many claps though? 86?

brianchesscake

It's kind of embarrassing for the player who lost to see the winner happy and celebrating.

In OTB games I try hide a smile if I can when I know I am about to win. It's good sportsmanship.

AussieMatey

99.