ody blog | Open New Blog

In light of some of the recent forum posts and some of my own experience of late I wanted to share my own view of the role which respect plays in chess. Yes, respecting people sounds cool and easy in theory  but in my case although being quite a cool and respectful guy in real life I had (and sometimes still have) certain problems applying the “respect rule” when dealing with weaker (in terms of rating) players which is perhaps one of my greatest problem as a chess player. Too often when i see players rated 12xx-13xx or players who make ridiculous mistakes i treat them with a certain degree of contempt and neglect, being rather complacent you know, although my own chess skills and rating are not something to be proud of. Don't know if u can imagine what this attitude of mine cost me over my years of chess playing. It’s not only unfair to those players, being parsecs away from sportsmanship but it proved devastating to many of my games and growth as a chess player. Many people around play a large number of CC games at once so it’s not a rare occasion to play with someone who for some reason has timed out his last 50 games and currently appears 1320 while his peak is 1920. Imagine my surprise when i get utterly obliterated on the board. Same thing when u play with someone who's just joined the site, having a rating of 14** only to see him 2 months later having a 2k + rating. This is not a problem of the site, the current system is as good as it can ever be, this is a problem of my own attitude. And that’s what taught me to respect and approach with utmost caution every opponent, regardless of his rating even if certain moves of his look dubious. I remember a case when i was so frustrated by an opponent with a bishop and 3 pawns behind and a clear strategic disadvantage, nearing the endgame, having the “impudence” not to resign that i lost all focus and will to fight, therefore losing my queen in the most idiotic way possible. Imagine my embarrassment. I quit playing chess for a month. Bottom line is having respect for all of your opponents will not only help you improve your game and style, especially if u learn from them, it will make you feel better, it will make winning worth more, and losing hurt less.

If you are generally a better person than I am – good for you, I love you, i mean it! If you are not – my advice is to learn from my mistake and not/stop doing it on your own.

Respect!

Ody