chess etiquette

Originally posted by tonytiger41
if you're the one receiving the pronounment, would your opinion change?

Originally posted by Mike Corey
Either way, you need to act like you've been there before. - Besides - as others have written, it can be more than embarrassing when it's wrong. Consider Jacob Aagaard's concept of "unforced thinking" - that deterministic conclusions to analysis can be flawed and the unexpected and unpredicted move can change the sequence from what seemed inevitable to something very different.

I would be reluctant to say 'mate in xx moves', not only because it might be wrong. I think some people have said it to me as well (and were right, too) and I find it doesn't really increase one's fun (leads to quick resignation as well). Basically, I like a talk through a match, f.i. if you have been analyzing options of a few moves before with your opponent a bit. In that case I might say things like 'hm, not looking very good'... in fact, I recently said in a game something like 'that was not a very good move... Be6 would've been better, this loses the queen' not realizing that my move was actually a checkmate. In most cases I think it is a bit strange to announce your mating sequence. Let them experience it 😉

Originally posted by tonytiger41
only novice chessplayers or children would exclaim "mate in one," or "checkmate."

so it is not "either way" for me.

I announce mate in 42 at the start of all games.

Originally posted by searcy1977
I announce mate in 42 at the start of all games.

You should hang in there. I usually lose in 25 moves or less.