Why "Good Luck" wishes?

Why "Good Luck" wishes in a game where you and your opponent are fighting in a mind game? Isn't wishing Good Luck sounds like you wish to be lucky that you win on time, or your opponent to make a lot of blunders, or your opponent internet access to fail? In how many ways can you be lucky at chess?

I hope that none of those things happen to my opponent, so that we can have a truly fun and interesting challenge on each of our best terms. I wish that none ill circumstances conspire to have him play any less than his best.

Don't over-think it, it's just a social gesture, it's not literal.

Like when someone sneezes (at least here in the states) a person may say "bless you" -- it has nothing to do with a spiritual belief, but it's a social practice that (in my head) basically means, "I empathize with your position having just involuntarily made a loud or awkward noise"

In chess "good luck" shows good will towards at least the spirit of the competition, that you may play to win and crush them, but you are willing to follow the rules and standard practices.

Amazing how so many dont understand, refuse to understand, and or over think a simple gesture as "good luck"

Its like telling someone to have a good day, its simply a polite gesture. 

I say "hi", when I bother to say anything at all.

Oh yeah, I forget people say these things online, I keep thinking of actual chess tournaments.

I don't think it's customary to say "good luck" in tournaments here either, from what I remember. Just a handshake.

Yeah, I just make eye contact and shake hands, I don't say anything.  Most people I play do the same.

Oh good, I thought the things might have changed since I played in tournaments. 

well, it's kind of hard to shake hands online, so just say 'good luck' and get on with the game....

'round these parts everything has to be made into a drama. Please respect our ways...

That would totally weird me out.  You should whip that out in OTB tournaments for real.

 Lol it sounds kinda suggestive, might be a good line to use against Kosteniuk.

Interesting how one sentence out of a conversation can be taken out of context when you don't read the whole conversation.

 The standard treat.

How about, "peace on earth, and good will toward men"

It'd still be fun to see the look on the face of an opponent that while shaking their hand you say "good will towards mankind"

Now if Ilyumzhinov said it, I might be a little worried heh.

Can't anyone come up with anything really offensive to say ?

I too dislike the "Good luck" remark before an OTB game, seems a bit cheeky.

I usually settle for "Have a good game".

Good luck on ending this thread