Speelman's Agony #69

Self-awareness

One of the most problematic aspects of playing chess — and I presume other similar games — is the relative intensity of emotion you feel after winning and losing. Winning is always nice, of course, and against a really strong opponent can be a heady drug. But losing normally engenders much stronger feelings, however much you ought to get used to it.

This column depends on readers sharing their chess efforts but also perforce — and not I trust in some vile game showy way — the emotions of combat. This week, instead, I'm swinging the spotlight back on myself with a vignette from a London league game last week and in more detail on a recent game at the 4NCL where to my chagrin but also considerable (if slightly grudging) appreciation a 2300ish opponent turned out to have an excellent punch!

Click or tap on the second game in the game list below the board to switch

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See also:

• Previous column: Speelman's Agony #68