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Sportsmanship & Chess Sportsmanship

What is Sportsmanship ? Sportsmanship is an attitude that strives for fair play, courtesy toward teammates and opponents, ethical behavior and integrity. It is an essential quality which leads to a better life. 

Ever wondered how chess can enhance Sportsmanship? Playing chess enhances our sense of sportsmanship and improves the way we treat one another. This cannot be undervalued, teaching sportsmanship isnt simply about learning proper manners, but an important life skill, especially for developing minds.

How is sportsmanship a major part of good behavior?

Sportsmanship is one of the life skills that can be enhanced through chess. Many parents tell us that chess has improved their childs self-esteem. Many others tell us that chess has taught their child sportsmanship, including how to deal gracefully with challenges.

Online chess classes teaches etiquettes without making children realize that they are being taught something. When they attend a Live chess class they tend to form a routine. A routine which tends to improve many other aspects of their lives.

Being a good sport displays a good sense of self and good character. Ever seen children getting cranky and holding grudges with the people they lose a game with?

They automatically stop socializing with that person, their perspective changes and all that just because they lost a game. Sometimes kids tend to spill  emotions of anger, hatred and jealousy towards their opponents which is because they want to win and they start seeing a chess board as a battlefield Whereas Chess board is the only  battlefield where a game can be wrong, not the players! Which is what kids need to be taught. That good behavior at the chessboard is directly proportional to good behavior in general. During an online chess class the chess trainers teach kids how to communicate, how to initiate polite conversations and how to respect your opponent which cannot be achieved while playing chess with a friend. 

How can you encourage sportsmanship & proper behavior at the board?

There are certain things you can ensure to encourage your kids good behavior at the board 

Be polite and make a  good start : Greet your opponent in a pleasant way with a handshake. You may say, Hi, my name is or Its a pleasure to meet you, my name is or something similar. Make eye contact while talking to the opponent 

Dont boast or try to intimidate your opponent: Some players brag about their ratings, comment on their opponents ratings, or play psychological games (I played a guy last month with a rating like yours and blew him away.). Do not say anything that may offend your opponent. Also, avoid expressions, body language or gestures that may offend.