Almost every day on this site, I play and I have a good time. This site is convenient and I prefer it over other similar sites. But I have noticed a common trend that this site (and other chess sites for that matter) have which is not for the better; rude or undesirable behavior by users, especially "anonymous" users. (I have actually been requesting games against normal site users for this reason). The reason why I'm doing this is for two reasons; 1) I think it's a good thing for this site to be aware of. 2) I sometimes wonder if some of these people realize what they are like when they initiate some of these behaviors. Anyway, I'll break down the most common undesirable tendencies I notice:
1. Leaving a game in a completely lost position or after a blunder without resigning: Some people call this a "rage quit". It's perfectly understandable to be frustrated especially if you go from completely winning to lost after a mouse slip, but this is disrespectful. I also understand that in some cases people simply lose internet connection but I am confident that roughly have the time, this is done intentionally.
2. Using the chat to discuss the winning/losing situation while the game is still in progress: This one is probably a little less obvious. Telling your opponent that you are winning or that he/she is losing during the game is annoying. Especially annoying is when people use symbolism to do this, such as typing a "?" (indicating a mistake) or "1-0" (calling the game won for White before it is over) or "??" (indicating a blunder). I've had games where I've seen a "?" in the chat followed by a "??" three minutes later. This is completely unnecessary and obnoxious.
3. Saying "good game" before the game is over: Saying "good game" is respectful, but it's very strange when a player says this before actually resigning. If you're calling it a game, why haven't you resigned yet?
4. Sending a second take back request immediately after the first one is declined; I understand that this site allows moves to be taken back with the permission of the opponent and I understand why; somebody can mouse slip and some people on here are not necessarily accustomed to competitive Chess, but there is no need to get upset when somebody denies this request, even when it's apparent that a mouse slip happened. Taking back moves is technically illegal, even with the permission of the opponent. Some sites (including this one) allow this as a user friendly feature. It is generous of lichess.org to do this, but it should not be taken for granted. Anyhow, out of simple respect please don't do this. Repeatedly offering draws is equally annoying.
5. Getting upset at or criticizing a player for not responding to a tournament etiquette gesture/quote: I don't see this as often as the other ones that I have talked about, but every once in a while I come across a person who gets upset because I said nothing in response to "good game" or "good luck". Most of the time, I do not even notice these gestures/quotes because my chat is not even on for the reasons that I have already talked about. I appreciate people trying to be respectful, but there is no need to become an etiquette coach during an internet Chess game. This is more reasonable for USCF or FIDE, and even then it should be limited.
1. Leaving a game in a completely lost position or after a blunder without resigning: Some people call this a "rage quit". It's perfectly understandable to be frustrated especially if you go from completely winning to lost after a mouse slip, but this is disrespectful. I also understand that in some cases people simply lose internet connection but I am confident that roughly have the time, this is done intentionally.
2. Using the chat to discuss the winning/losing situation while the game is still in progress: This one is probably a little less obvious. Telling your opponent that you are winning or that he/she is losing during the game is annoying. Especially annoying is when people use symbolism to do this, such as typing a "?" (indicating a mistake) or "1-0" (calling the game won for White before it is over) or "??" (indicating a blunder). I've had games where I've seen a "?" in the chat followed by a "??" three minutes later. This is completely unnecessary and obnoxious.
3. Saying "good game" before the game is over: Saying "good game" is respectful, but it's very strange when a player says this before actually resigning. If you're calling it a game, why haven't you resigned yet?
4. Sending a second take back request immediately after the first one is declined; I understand that this site allows moves to be taken back with the permission of the opponent and I understand why; somebody can mouse slip and some people on here are not necessarily accustomed to competitive Chess, but there is no need to get upset when somebody denies this request, even when it's apparent that a mouse slip happened. Taking back moves is technically illegal, even with the permission of the opponent. Some sites (including this one) allow this as a user friendly feature. It is generous of lichess.org to do this, but it should not be taken for granted. Anyhow, out of simple respect please don't do this. Repeatedly offering draws is equally annoying.
5. Getting upset at or criticizing a player for not responding to a tournament etiquette gesture/quote: I don't see this as often as the other ones that I have talked about, but every once in a while I come across a person who gets upset because I said nothing in response to "good game" or "good luck". Most of the time, I do not even notice these gestures/quotes because my chat is not even on for the reasons that I have already talked about. I appreciate people trying to be respectful, but there is no need to become an etiquette coach during an internet Chess game. This is more reasonable for USCF or FIDE, and even then it should be limited.
