I expect some people have discussed this issue before, but one particular game really annoyed me enough that I decided to post. Its the usual thing, I want to play one of my favourite games, and the only real-time option for me is to play against a 'beginner'. Since its a favourite, I don't mind playing it against anyone really, including beginners. But since I'm playing a beginner, I don't necessarily expect a really tough challenge, I may even 'go easy' on them, I'm thinking.
But of course this player is not a beginner at all, as becomes obvious from the aggressive and confident manner in which they play (I'm not talking about table talk obviously, but their strategy). Not expecting this, I've left myself open. And they are clearly at least as good, possibly better at the game than I am. Now with the additional advantage of surprise, they are well ahead in a game (like many) in which starting well is often key.
I switch into full on competition mode, do my best, even make some good plays, but its not enough. I've been blitz-krieged, and, since they are a 'beginner' I lose a ton of elo. Yes, some of you may not care about that, but its a measure of status on this site, losing it has significance, and its not a good feeling. But of course there's also a sense that its unfair, since I've lost a game against a clearly experienced player, not a nube, and I shouldn't be penalised that heavily.
Okay the elo system is what it is, and I'm not necessarily asking for that to be changed. But people could come on the site and play in a manner which is a little bit more respectful of the way elo works. For example, how about starting by joining or setting up (if you can) a game against beginners and apprentices only. Gain a bit of elo, which you probably will after winning, then take on a regular player. If you win again you'll probably be a regular player yourself by now. Problem solved. You are no longer a wolf in sheep's clothing.
It may be that many naively come on the site, not realising the possible consequences of playing games they already know well in the guise of a beginner. I'm thinking though, that quite a few do know that, and don't care, even though it can be very annoying. I wish there was some advice up somewhere for people to think on before they do this, whether naively or otherwise.
I'm sure that I'm going to get some come back to the tune of 'well then don't play against beginners and/or apprentices if you're an experienced player. Its bullying anyway.' Yes, you have a point, but sometimes I might have no one else to play with, and maybe I'd prefer a more relaxing game, or even to teach someone how to play the game better. Unfortunately experiences like the one I mentioned make me less inclined to do this.
But of course this player is not a beginner at all, as becomes obvious from the aggressive and confident manner in which they play (I'm not talking about table talk obviously, but their strategy). Not expecting this, I've left myself open. And they are clearly at least as good, possibly better at the game than I am. Now with the additional advantage of surprise, they are well ahead in a game (like many) in which starting well is often key.
I switch into full on competition mode, do my best, even make some good plays, but its not enough. I've been blitz-krieged, and, since they are a 'beginner' I lose a ton of elo. Yes, some of you may not care about that, but its a measure of status on this site, losing it has significance, and its not a good feeling. But of course there's also a sense that its unfair, since I've lost a game against a clearly experienced player, not a nube, and I shouldn't be penalised that heavily.
Okay the elo system is what it is, and I'm not necessarily asking for that to be changed. But people could come on the site and play in a manner which is a little bit more respectful of the way elo works. For example, how about starting by joining or setting up (if you can) a game against beginners and apprentices only. Gain a bit of elo, which you probably will after winning, then take on a regular player. If you win again you'll probably be a regular player yourself by now. Problem solved. You are no longer a wolf in sheep's clothing.
It may be that many naively come on the site, not realising the possible consequences of playing games they already know well in the guise of a beginner. I'm thinking though, that quite a few do know that, and don't care, even though it can be very annoying. I wish there was some advice up somewhere for people to think on before they do this, whether naively or otherwise.
I'm sure that I'm going to get some come back to the tune of 'well then don't play against beginners and/or apprentices if you're an experienced player. Its bullying anyway.' Yes, you have a point, but sometimes I might have no one else to play with, and maybe I'd prefer a more relaxing game, or even to teach someone how to play the game better. Unfortunately experiences like the one I mentioned make me less inclined to do this.
