I had a chance to play a few (Chinese) Chess games on Saturday. I haven't played for so long. It is HARD to find a fun opponent to compete against. No, not because I am so great a player, it is comparable skill level live player that is difficult to find. Live players: they are already hard to find. Go to a chess club or something? My skill level is no match for guys care enough to go to a chess club.
Of course, it is easy to find a tireless computer player. Computer games are either way too strong or too weak! You can also find live anonymous players around the world. However, chess really should be a human intellect activity to play with your friends. A game reveals your opponent's personality! Can your opponent handle stress? How is the persons problem solving ability?
The key to win is to wait for your opponent's mistake. Develop plans of attack and also watch your back. It isn't so fun to play with a computer with flawless strategies.
Player types:
1. Weak beginners: who don't think at all. No strategy, no skills. yawn.
2. Losers who persist: lose and whine and won't let me go until win. Losing the game AND losing personality is a really a poor loser.
3. Strong players who brag: ok I don't need that look on your face
4. Humble strong players. I become player type 1. Sorry for making you yawn.
5. Strong players who gives advice. Ok I made a wrong move. Wow, I got an explanation of why it is bad. Ar ha, I see I am improving in my game.
6. Fun players: ~50% chance to win. Now that's fun.
So it is HARD to find type 5 or 6.
After all, life has so many activities other than this great intellectual activity.
When I meet type 1 I try to be type 5.
Additional rules of chess (or any game). Learn from strong players. Be nice to weaker players. It is only a game. It is ok even if you lose.
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