So you call yourself a coach and a leader? Where’s your fair play when I made a misclick?
I play chess online, and I like the 3+2 time control. In one of my games, my opponent started premoving in the opening to save time — but in that rush, he left his queen hanging. I took it — of course. Right after that, they offered a draw. I declined.
Then came a message: “So you call yourself a coach and a leader? Where’s your fair play when I made a misclick?”
But here’s the thing: Fair play doesn’t mean saving someone from their own mistake.
In over-the-board chess, we have the touch-move rule — if you touch a piece, you have to move it. It’s clear, it’s strict, and it teaches responsibility. In online chess, it’s the same principle: you pre-move or you misclick — it’s on you. That’s part of the game. Your responsibility.
Fair play means: I don’t cheat, I respect myself, the game, and my opponent.
It does not mean: “I’ll give you your queen back because you weren’t paying attention.” It does not mean: “I’ll accept a draw because I feel sorry for you.” (Not that I haven’t done that in the past... )
One of the most valuable lessons chess gives us is this: every move has consequences. If we want to grow — in chess or in life — we have to learn to own our actions. Not blame others. Not try to guilt-trip them for doing nothing wrong.
That’s why I didn’t accept the draw. Not because I lack empathy. But because I have respect: for the rules, for the game — and for you, because I believe you can, just like everyone else, learn from your own mistakes.
