Game Small Talk, anyone?

This thread is inspired by a game conversation I just had. I used to think I didn't like much chatting in the game...I guess I still don't unless it's a good friend.  One thing I do enjoy infinitely, however, is when players talk once in a while about the actual game. I find that to be terribly fun. 

In a game, my opponent mentioned "had you gone for that trap, it would have made my life a lot easier"...so I was able to ask "tell me about the trap".  She confided the trap and I learned so much.  Later in the endgame, there is a tricky choice to make and she tells me "I almost went for it".  I laughed and told her she's too clever for me. 

I love this kind of game banter, but I feel like I never get that other than perhaps "nice move" or "oops, that was a mistake".  Is it that most people feel it's inappropriate to discuss the game during the game? I guess I should take some responsibility as I never initiate it either...

Does anyone else enjoy such things as immensely as I do?

I like a game where every move is explained. I do that with my friends. It seems that most people online say very little though.

I've run into a few people that ask for my continuation to a certain move, such as a sacrifice. It makes the game much more enjoyable, imo.

I do enjoy little game talk a lot, but I hesitate to attempt to start them, because sometimes people are too sensitive when you comment about their moves and/or like to brag too much, and that stops me from having a real talk about the game.

Besides, for some reason, many people are unresponsive during games and I don't enjoy my friendly attempts getting ignored, so I usually don't get involved in any of that.

It is probably somewhat difficult to strike up a meaningful conversation with a stranger. The game is an ego clash of sorts, making it even harder. On the other hand, if you have an opponent you faced many times, losing is not that painful. You can relax and turn the game into a chat, because the result is not so important.

Still, for some, winning is everything, and the chat will only be a distraction.

I am the same way, I usually don't make too many comments to people I don't know. I do find it bizarre however when there is no response to a "hello" at the beginning of a game or a "gg, thanks" at the end of one.

I agree, chatting about the game is fun.

I Agree with this. What I do after most of my lost games is congratulate the player with "Well played" or "Thanks for the game." After all, I can choose to learn from the loss, or decide to be grumpy about it and not chat at all. 

I like to chat but I let my opponent start. I always give a trophy after the end of a game or match just as a thank you. We all enjoy a boost one way or another so give a trophy!

I have started giving trophies...esp. when i feel the opponent played nicely.

Trophies are a great way to show someone respect after a game regardless of the result 

Sometimes I give trophies to people I've not even played!

I think somebody should start a chat group so that people who like to chat ingame about the game can find like minded people. I would definatly join.

I just had the same thing about two minutes ago. I was playing bullet 2/1 and won the game on time. I said to my opponent that they were unlucky because I thought that they had mate on their next move and suggested Qh2 - turned out that I was wrong - because knight could capture. He quickly pointed out that it was actually Qf4 that would of been mate and a pretty one too with the king in the centre.

I liked how he talked about the game rather than having a proper sad on because he just got beat on time. Good on him!

This can be interesting - but it changes the dynamics of the game. e.g.

"I'm moving this knight as a distraction from the trap I'm preparing on e6."

I wish there were more trophies you could give someone after they've lost a game...I find them quite limited. 

 ...this is when the mindgames start. Is there really a trap on e6? or is this another distraction from the real trap that you've prepared for me on h6? You crafty fox!

The ones on page 5 and 6 seem to be possibilities: 'Second place', 'Small difference', 'Almost there', 'Optimism', 'Enthusiasm', 'Shakespeare' and 'Tough Nut'. Also some on page 3: 'Great Defense', 'Strong Fortress' and 'Exhausting Game'.

I gave "Brilliant Tactical Play" to my losing opponent recently; it was received with suspicion.

I don't blame him.  C'mon...he lost and it was "brilliant"?  lol

I like to talk about the game in progress also. I think it can be a learning experience, and it's fun. I usually will make a comment or two; or ask a question. If I get no response, then I know my opponent has no desire to chat, so I stop. However, I've gotten to know a lot of interesting [and fun] people this way. That's part of the enjoyment of playing on this site. Only once have I run into a rude, childish opponent, so I simply ignore him/her. It's fun to learn about; not only other people, but other places in the world messaging back and forth after the game is over.

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