Board Game Arena

Sometimes when I win a game, especially a close one or against newer players, I don’t really feel proud—I actually feel a bit bad for the others.Or when i win against a player more than 2 times and they say something like:''Well done you win again..'' i dont know why but i just feel guitly i genuinely feel bad that i let them win in the next game on purpose.

I enjoy the game itself more than the result, and seeing someone get frustrated or disappointed can take away from the fun.

I’m not talking about throwing games or anything like that—just that strange feeling where winning doesn’t feel as good as you expect.

Does anyone else feel this way, or am I just overthinking it?

To intentionally lose a game is to tell your opponent that they were not worth your time and effort. If they win future games, they have to wonder if they can trust it was a real game, or just you making fun of them. It's one thing if it was communicated ahead of time that you weren't going all out and it was for practice or something, but in an actual game, to not try and win is disrespectful.

adoring-squirrel279 wrote: ↑17 January 2026, 19:53 i let them win in the next game on purpose.

adoring-squirrel279 wrote: ↑17 January 2026, 19:53 I’m not talking about throwing games or anything like that

Can you explain how these two statements don't contradict each other?

Some things you can do rather than feel bad is suggest the person play with people more on their level, or offer to review the game and discuss where their mistakes were.

I dunno i just feel bad even for players who are up to my level if i won more than 2 times(not always of course)

If that cause you problems outside of board games (or if you have others difficulties, even if they seem unrelated), I would advise you to see a psychologist.
You can learn a lot about yourself or on how to manage those situations better.

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About your question for me, yes totally I can feel bad. That's why I restrict my games to 200+ elo, and don't join 200~300 elo games. But I would not lose in purpose.

No,that does not effect me outside of board games.Beside this not a chess website so i dont really care about the elo since its really incorrect

You don't even know if your opponents are upset that you beat them twice in a row. They may not even want your sympathy. They're choosing to play against you again, aren't they? It's common advice in Chess to "play up" as a way to improve. But they won't improve if you let them win.

And if this really bothers you: just don't play against someone who you recently defeated.

Yea.But then they offer a rematch-i didnt want to be rude for declining but i dont want to win again eitherrr

who care if its rude?its your choice you know

Seem like a classic case of having to much nicess to me