Why aren't there any addicts in chess? Even in prize chess?

[Kelward]

I know that addiction in anything is as a result of lack of self control, anything that you always do and cannot control your urge for it means that you are addicted to it so in that line of thoughts I believe that there can be addicted chess players. But when it comes to gambling I don't know if there are addicted chess bettors because the game is complex and would be boring for a lot of bettors.

I believe that if you are counting games that have the least addicts in gambling I would say that chess should be number one or it will top the list. Many bettors are not professional players in the sports that they bet on, they just want easy games that they can understand and analyze to try their luck to make some quick money, chess won't be easy to analyze by a lot of bettors.

[New Judgement]

No I don’t think so, just as you have rightly stated in your post that chess is a very complex game and requires lot of calculations and time to finish a game of chess. It becomes so difficult for it to breed addicts, because most the average gamblers will run away from it, and the few that will attempt to play it are highly intellectual people that are already aware of themselves and know how to gamble responsibly, and the dangers of gambling addiction.


 

[SuperBitMan]

Do you think the nature of chess can breed addicts?

There’s absolutely nothing on this earth that people cannot be addicted to.
If people can be addicted to food, then people can also be addicted to chess especially because it’s a game.
I have seen people spending much time and energy to learn how to play chess and due to this they forget to focus on some important things.

Back in my school days, I have seen someone who because of chess abandon his studies and focus on playing chess with people, they prefer to play chess than going to class and when they are playing chess they don’t care about any other thing.
is that not addiction?

Some people believe that the only time you can be addicted to something is when you spend money on it.
That’s not true, addiction is when someone feels a strong need to keep doing or using something, even when it causes problems or harm.

[danherbias07]

I strongly agree.

I have not been on the brink of becoming a gambling addict because of sports betting, not just chess. It's the slots that actually made me almost fall into that pit of destroying myself. But when I bet on sports, I don't feel that way, and if it is chess, I highly doubt it too.
Games that make a gambler think will probably just play them occasionally, or even if they bet on them every day, there's no urge to keep on gambling and chase the losses, unlike how it is with slots. A gambler can always become vengeful on those types of games.

[Dunamisx]

I want to believe there are addict in every kind of game we play, only that the rate at which the all appears differs from each game or sports concerned, if you consider playing chess, you will discover that there are only few gamblers that are interested in playing it, unlike other games we have, same applies to those that will be showing interest to bet on playing chess, expect it to be more fewer compared to other games in gambling.

[leea-1334]

Chess is gambling? Last time I checked you actually need strategy and a really good brain that thinks 20 steps ahead. The only random thing that can happen,,, is your opponent randomly moving.

Too easy to manipulate also (for the geniuses vs us who cannot smell it). Hence not much betting?

[Localhostspeed]

Do you think the nature of chess can breed addicts?

As you mentioned and answered. It’s hard to get addicted on something that is not convenient or easy to do. Most of the activities that addiction is common are those accessible and can be done almost immediately.

Besides, people become addicted because of the relaxation they can get on that specific activity either forcing the brain to relax through chemical or the urge to gain money like gambling.

Chess is a different matter not only because of complexity but also due to the game itself is normally requires a lot of strategy and preparation for those who play it seriously.

Could it be because it's a game that involves logical thinking and using the brain? Chess takes all your attention and looking for your opponent next moves, so it's hard to be thinking about money in that time. Most of the time that gamblers are addicted to gambling is when it involves money. I do tell people that let gambling removes money and let play for the fun of it like we do say here, the gambling addiction will reduce completely because the interest will low.

Many gamblers that we have today see gambling as alternative to look for money, in short that potential money some gamblers see in their potential payout gives them hope like they depend on it. Even if they can't win it, they love to see the figures like that which is why you will see a gambler repeating the same mistake even though they know that they can't win anything, the thought of it alone gives them big hope and they don't have to think logically.

[SPIDERMAN008]

Chess is basically a game of skill. Where the entire pressure is on the brain and the one who thinks with experience and sharp mind takes every step of the game of chess wins. It is like other games where victory is determined according to skill experience. But in gambling, losing and winning mostly depends on luck. Even in a short time, a lot of profit and loss can be observed which creates a lot of excitement in a person. And when a person makes a profit by betting, that joy becomes very intense, as a result of which a gambler wants to make a profit repeatedly . And from this thought, the gambler gradually becomes addicted. And which cannot be observed in other games.

[Yeesha]

Your idea is very interesting, imo.
But I do not completely agree with your conclusion that addiction could be less if any game is complex.

You know, the complexity of any game or the amount of chance is not only factor for Addiction. In this case reward loop, instant feedback, repetition, emotional escape or perception about own control are also very important. Gambler's impaired control is the main culprit, I think. Many gamblers suffer by prioritizing gambling over other activities in life. I have seen many who continue to gamble despite losses, he lose cause the game migt be complex for him. So I think gambling disorder doesn't just depend on game mechanics.

Complexity of a game can still not necessarily prevent addiction, but the risk of addiction depends on the time that the person spent on gaming. A gambler is the main cause of addiction, the game itself has no control over your life or your decisions in terms of gambling, so it depends on how the gambler turn his life around in the world of gambling, and this applies to other things not just gambling. If a gambler cannot control himself and resources while gambling then, he is at risk of addiction, if care is not taken.

[bitLeap]

When considering the nature of gambling addiction, we can look at the example provided by chess. I hope that, in one way or another, everyone knows and loves this game. I asked myself: Why aren't there any addicts in chess? Even in prize chess? In my opinion, the answer to this question is obvious: it's a complex game in which you have to think, expend a lot of your brain's biochemical energy calculating options, considering the next move, calculating the pros and cons of strategies, and so on. Therefore, chess can hardly be called a game of chance; it practically doesn't breed addicts. Gambling addicts are born in places with simple game mechanics, where all you have to do is press a button. Slot machines, roulette, plinko, and so on. Sports betting involves more intellectual aspects, but even there, everything comes down to simple actions. Do you think the nature of chess can breed addicts?

You asked the right question and gave the right answer. There is nothing more I need to discuss, you have even highlighted the significant differences compared to slot machine gambling.
Chess requires the brain to think, so people tend to choose entertainment for the brain, rather than burden it.

[Proty]

Chess can be addictive not like other gambling. Gambling like sports betting doesn't require skills but rather it's outcome is based on luck but this is not same with chess, it favours those that are skillful in it and are patience.
Being addicted to something has nothing to do with whether the thing is easy or difficult. It is possible for anyone to be addicted to anything if they are not being moderate. Spending more time on chess board can make someone to become addicted. There are people that are still addicted to chess, probably because they want to learn or they are skillful and love playing it regularly. So there is still chances for people to addicted in a chess game but it is never same with sport betting and slots etc.

[sunsilk]

When considering the nature of gambling addiction, we can look at the example provided by chess. I hope that, in one way or another, everyone knows and loves this game. I asked myself: Why aren't there any addicts in chess? Even in prize chess? In my opinion, the answer to this question is obvious: it's a complex game in which you have to think, expend a lot of your brain's biochemical energy calculating options, considering the next move, calculating the pros and cons of strategies, and so on. Therefore, chess can hardly be called a game of chance; it practically doesn't breed addicts. Gambling addicts are born in places with simple game mechanics, where all you have to do is press a button. Slot machines, roulette, plinko, and so on. Sports betting involves more intellectual aspects, but even there, everything comes down to simple actions. Do you think the nature of chess can breed addicts?

There are two distinctions in this game.

Being addicted to chess is fine and going pro or content creator or in any way to compete for prizes. The next thing is about getting addicted to betting with its games.

It's the drawback of someone who likes to play chess but don't want to get into its competitive scene. That's the same with other sports who are fans of football, basketball and other sports who are into gambling but not truly addicted to playing the game and just follows the actual movement of the sport.

[demonica]

When considering the nature of gambling addiction, we can look at the example provided by chess. I hope that, in one way or another, everyone knows and loves this game. I asked myself: Why aren't there any addicts in chess? Even in prize chess? In my opinion, the answer to this question is obvious: it's a complex game in which you have to think, expend a lot of your brain's biochemical energy calculating options, considering the next move, calculating the pros and cons of strategies, and so on. Therefore, chess can hardly be called a game of chance; it practically doesn't breed addicts. Gambling addicts are born in places with simple game mechanics, where all you have to do is press a button. Slot machines, roulette, plinko, and so on. Sports betting involves more intellectual aspects, but even there, everything comes down to simple actions. Do you think the nature of chess can breed addicts?

Well I think it's because addiction is triggered when a person enjoys something too much. It means the person is having fun with doing something, that's why he gets addicted to it. But for chess, since we all know that it's very complicated in a way that brain works a lot to play the game. It needs thinking and strategy. So not everyone, and not all ordinary people enjoy playing chess that much to be even addicted to it. Ordinary people may enjoy it but not to the point you'll get addicted because of how complicated it can be. But maybe... There's someone who's really into playing chess and is low-key addicted to it. I think it's still possible for someone to be addicted to it. But it's rare unlike in gambling and casino games.

[hedgeh0g]

When considering the nature of gambling addiction, we can look at the example provided by chess. I hope that, in one way or another, everyone knows and loves this game. I asked myself: Why aren't there any addicts in chess? Even in prize chess? In my opinion, the answer to this question is obvious: it's a complex game in which you have to think, expend a lot of your brain's biochemical energy calculating options, considering the next move, calculating the pros and cons of strategies, and so on. Therefore, chess can hardly be called a game of chance; it practically doesn't breed addicts. Gambling addicts are born in places with simple game mechanics, where all you have to do is press a button. Slot machines, roulette, plinko, and so on. Sports betting involves more intellectual aspects, but even there, everything comes down to simple actions. Do you think the nature of chess can breed addicts?

Despite the fact that chess is always very interesting for a certain type of people who are analysts by nature, but really no one is obsessed with chess, and I have never heard of anyone playing for money. Unlike, for example, billiards. Probably no one is addicted to chess and does not play for money, because there is no factor of chance and, as a result, luck. There is no excitement. Everything is calculated as in mathematics. And this is despite the fact that chess has gained worldwide fame as a game, and many famous chess players, such as Kasparov or Carlsen, are known among those who do not play chess.

[rbynxx]

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/sep/05/online-chess-addiction-ruining-life (just for the sake of having an example)
Perhaps this guy or some other guys that share the same experience. I mean there could be anywhere or anything addicted at one stuff at some point. Addiction has no shape, knows no gender or intellectuality. Perhaps people will think that it's a good thing to be addicted of, but whatever isn't in moderation, isn't really good. I think to be at the top of the game you'd have to be an addict or a prodigy but those that doesn't belong or not even known in the game of chess has surely some personal issue to deal with. I mean, why be an addict to chess when you can't even be known worldwide?

Yep, OP have no idea what he is writing, this looks a lot like a thread for the sake of a thread.
If you check streams on Twitch or YouTube, you'll see that online chess has everything it takes to create a dopamine-fueled addiction (something shorts, reels, and other "fast and endless" content are usually blamed for). Time controls of 1 minute (some even play for 30 seconds lol) are very addictive and, by the way, are very close to gambling, since at such a speed of the game a lot is decided by luck, not skill.

I mean before throwing it in, I'd do some basic research. The internet is so wide, there could be an example for everything, congrats if you're making a thread that is so novel. I'm not really into chess and could only saw some video highlights especially if it's controversial or it get me hooked.

As example here are some highlights from the mega-tops (imagine what happens to non-professionals):
Biggest Chess Rage Quits

Yeah, could be much worst I guess. Well, at some point there are rewards for these or there's also a bet and they'll have to beat the game?

[Alex077]

Do you think the nature of chess can breed addicts?

I read everyone's comment. But I don't think chess is free from addiction in any way. Rather, if you look at the way chess is played then you will understand that it can also create serious mental addiction.

Addiction to playing will never depend on complexity of mechanics. It will depend on whether that particular game gives you pleasure and whether it releases dopamine.

Have you heard of Bobby Fischer? He was world class chess player. This grandmaster's intense chess addiction and panic completely isolated him from real world and pushed him into extreme paranoia & social antisociality. So I think sometime chess addiction can lead to deeper and more destructive mental decline than gambling.

[Y3shot]

Gambling addicts are born in places with simple game mechanics, where all you have to do is press a button. Slot machines, roulette, plinko, and so on. Sports betting involves more intellectual aspects, but even there, everything comes down to simple actions. Do you think the nature of chess can breed addicts?

Many gamblers just like luck, and they gamble, relying on it to win the game. When placing bets, they don't put much effort into critical thinking because this can make the game not be a fun type of game.

Chess games involve reasoning and a level of intelligence, and because of this, not everyone finds the game interesting. However, other games are based on quick predictions and luck, and the expectations people have from games like this are what make them addictive.

[Patikno]

When considering the nature of gambling addiction, we can look at the example provided by chess. I hope that, in one way or another, everyone knows and loves this game. I asked myself: Why aren't there any addicts in chess? Even in prize chess? In my opinion, the answer to this question is obvious: it's a complex game in which you have to think, expend a lot of your brain's biochemical energy calculating options, considering the next move, calculating the pros and cons of strategies, and so on. Therefore, chess can hardly be called a game of chance; it practically doesn't breed addicts. Gambling addicts are born in places with simple game mechanics, where all you have to do is press a button. Slot machines, roulette, plinko, and so on. Sports betting involves more intellectual aspects, but even there, everything comes down to simple actions. Do you think the nature of chess can breed addicts?

I have never actually seen anyone addicted to chess. Even, someone like Magnus Carlsen wouldn't be considered an addict; he is simply obsessed with the mind sport.

In my view, a mind sport like chess involves intense calculation, where a single wrong move can prove fatal. I think this inherent complexity makes people less inclined to place bets on the game, even in one-on-one matches.

Besides that, I don't think every online casino platform offers betting on chess, right ? Maybe, that is what makes chess not a popular sport for many people (to bet, or to be wagered), especially because it is complex.

[Swordsoffreedom]

I asked myself: Why aren't there any addicts in chess?

I agree with you to the extent that chess will not make you bankrupt or insolvent like slot or casino games. But your claim that playing chess is not addictive is completely baseless. Traditional gambling steals your pocket money and chess addiction can steal your time, social life & mental balance.

However, I will agree with you on one point, which is social recognition. Traditional gambling is socially reprehensible but chess is seen as intellectual and respectable in our society.

I actually think that this social recognition & the tag of intellectual game makes this addiction to chess difficult to notice.

[Salahmu]

Back in my school days, I have seen someone who because of chess abandon his studies and focus on playing chess with people, they prefer to play chess than going to class and when they are playing chess they don’t care about any other thing.
is that not addiction?

Chess is a very rare game to see anybody with so much passion for it, so that's why people believe that it can never cause addiction on anybody and I actually agreed to it but however I realized through your experience that it might be possible for an addiction in chess because is not everything that happens through online space but however their are people who could also become a physical addiction to chess because already I believe that the person you were talking about also got the addiction from the physical chess, so that's to say that is mostly common offline than online because in online is very boring for a lot of people to play.