Ayumi_H

Japanese from Osaka 

Delaying the Inevitable is a Losing Strategy

Have you ever played a game of chess where your opponent makes a blunder, and instead of resigning or playing on, they start stalling and letting the clock run out? If so, you're not alone. Unfortunately, this frustrating behaviour is too expected in online chess and can test patience and sportsmanship.

But why do some players resort to stalling, even when they know they will lose? The answer lies in the psychology of competition and how our brains respond to losing and winning.

When we're winning, our brains release dopamine, a chemical that gives us a sense of pleasure and satisfaction. This feeling is addictive and can make us want to keep playing, even when the game is no longer winnable. On the other hand, when losing, our brains release cortisol, a stress hormone that can make us feel anxious, frustrated, and even angry.

For some players, stalling is a way of avoiding the negative emotions of losing. By delaying the inevitable, they can hold on to the hope of a miraculous comeback or prolong the pleasure of being in control of the game. This can be especially true for players with a perfectionist mindset or who are used to winning most of the time. Losing can feel like a personal failure, and stalling can be a way of avoiding that feeling.
However, while stalling might provide a short-term escape from negative emotions, it's ultimately a losing strategy. It wastes time, annoys your opponent, and prevents you from learning from your mistakes and improving your game. Chess is a game of design and calculation, and mistakes are an inevitable part of the process. The key is to learn from those mistakes and to keep playing with integrity and sportsmanship, even when the odds are against you.

So next time you find yourself in a losing position, resist the temptation to stall or give up. Instead, take a deep breath, accept the reality of the situation, and focus on making the best moves you can. Remember that every game is an opportunity to learn and grow and that even the best players make mistakes. By playing with humility and resilience,