Why so Serious Chess Community?

I think we're coming from the same place on this issue.  Have you ever heard or read about the anecdote concerning the famous  Edward Lasker  vs George Thomas game ?  You can find it on Wikipedia here...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Lasker

It starts just underneath the picture of Lasker & Tartakower. Playing at that level, you can be sure Thomas was as competitive as any player but that didn't stop him being gracious in defeat. I really admire behavior like that.

The game itself is well worth looking at too-Lasker's mate is a real gem!

Well, for me, it's precisely my serious approach to chess that makes it so interesting and rewarding. If I was ok with just making "any old move," I wouldn't feel as stimulated as I would if I was trying to figure out the best one, whether that's a nice plan, combination, or, usually, a combination (no pun intended) of both. Adding to the stimulation, I also have to think about time, my opponent's style of play, psychology... this is what makes chess fun and engaging I thought.

I also want to point out that, though I like winning, I think the best thing about both players trying to win is that it yields the best, most intense mental battle out of both players.

ALRIGHT Elubas...you win !   " I also want to point out that, though I like winning, I think the best thing about both players trying to win is that it yields the best, most intense mental battle out of both players."   

That was in Dumb and Dumber with Jim Carey and Jeff Something I think.

I must admit, I much rather people are courteous who I play - politely acknowledging opponent, timely moves etc., and while most are, I am learning not to get up tight if they are not.

yes, chess should be fun and if the element is missing it is well to question whether you should be playing BUT chess like competitive sport is about beating your opponent, if at all possible, by playing better.

here's your GG now get over it!!!!!

Does anyone here have a martini?

Draws?  :-p

Do not underestimate the seriousness of Chess. Chess is gangsta. You don't mess with gangsta. Yo.

"Aww, hell naw! You did NOT just say white goes first!" ~Will Smith on Chess

Yes, it wasn't clear.  What I mean is there is a maximum of 1 winner

Even though the game of chess simulates war, there is nothing wrong with respecting your opponent. Especially when he/she plays well. There's no need for trash talk in chess. 

Agreed Wolfbird! And Bicarbonatofsoda thank you for your understanding as well! Also, one last time I want to reiterate that my heart behind the post was not to say that Chess should not be taken seriously or competitively, but instead tried to point out that chess, like all things in life, function at their highest when done within a gracious community, and a loving spirit. Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

It's more than a game to some...

In all seriousness, I agree with you, djones.
But... there will always be people that don't get what you're saying. There will always be people who aren't nice or respectful or sportsmanlike, especially in a competitive endeavour. Do it yourself, but sadly, you can't expect it.

I agree checkevrytim!

In my book  (link removed - please don't use the forums to advertise or promote your book) I found many chess.com members getting along well, and some being too competitive and serious.

The book features social network analysis of my live rated online chess games with various players (including high and middle-strength computer software) from different time zones and cultures around the world. For most of them the social features and downsides of real-time online chess were investigated and documented, including social magnetism, gambling, anonymity and use of pseudonyms, nationalism, Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender (LGBT) issues, Islamophobia, and social stratification and mobility. The accompanying game annotations and post-game discussions mainly dwell on responsible participation and civil discourse using live online chess games as medium. Online chess has become a test case for us as an international/trans-national group to think about how we can live in a socially-differentiated society, where its members subscribe to a plurality of forms of knowledge arising from considerably different environments, experiences and genetic makeup. ;-)

Wow.  What a mouthful of mumbo jumbo.  Just 3 easy payments of $19.95, and the shipping is FREE!

Ah yes a utopian park life..where dogs don't shite n' nobody is serious.