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

[Julien_Olynpic]

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?

[Smack That Ace]

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.

[DubemIfedigbo001]

Do you think the nature of chess can breed addicts?

Chess games have very limited players based on it's complicated nature, we know that people naturally like it the easy way, which makes chess less popular among gamblers. In a recently concluded youth convention in my area, indoor games were conducted, a lot of people played dice, cards, slots, bottle flip and it was fun, but only 4 people sat round the chess table racking their brains. We cannot expect much addicts in a game that drives the interest of a few, addicts are more on games you put in little or no effort. There are few addicts in it, although offline and in the streets, I don't think there's an online record of them.

I don't really play chess, but I'm gaining interest in it lately, the deep thought and risk assessment strategies it provokes among it's players can help develop the mind.

[CryptoBuds]

Do you think the nature of chess can breed addicts?

I play chess often IRL. And I have been to many chess competitions. It is not correct to say that there is no addiction in this game. I have seen many people make huge bets on chess. Endless rematch of rapid or bullet format, rating gain & loss and immediate feedback can create repetitive reward loop in both IRL and Online chess. But yeah, even if there is addiction, it cannot be called a clinical gambling disorder, in my opinion.

[Cointxz]

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.

[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?

[BALIK]

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?

In fact, gambling addiction is not about simple mechanics. I think uncertain outcome in gambling, monetary reward and repeated wagering are more responsible for your addiction. Another thing is, you will see skill and illusion of control among many gamblers. Therefore, intellectual analysis of sports betting will not eliminate the risk of your addiction.

So I think chess can make any person play compulsively, it is possible. But I would not call it gambling addiction. In Chess you can influence your outcome a lot by improving your skill.

[TopTort777]

I dont think that simple games make people more addict than games with complicated mechanics or games where you need to think. I also think that there are addicted to chess people, but they act different that we expect addicted to something people act. By saying someone is addicted, our brain draw picture of a person who looks bad, in bad clothes, have distracted look. A person who has fallen low. Or a person that does not look like 99% of regular people. Addiction to chess expresses differently than addiction to gambling. Difference is that person does not look for money all the time. But that person also think all the time about playing chess, strategy and etc.

[eisen33]

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?

It's not entirely clear what kind of addiction we're talking about. Gamblers can't be addicted to gambling, whether it's a sports team or a chess match, because bookmakers prohibit players from placing bets. If we're talking about chess betting, I don't think gambling addiction can be categorized specifically by sport. If a player is addicted, they can bet on anything, be it a football match or a chess match, and pick the winner. Therefore, I'd like to clarify what kind of addiction we're talking about?

[Natalim]

Honestly, I dont even see that game listed in most sportsbooks, so that probably means its not really a popular betting market.

I know how chess works, but I was never really addicted to watching or playing it myself. I think TV exposure also has a big effect on what sports become popular for betting.

For example, basketball, soccer and boxing are always shown on TV, so naturally more people become fans of those sports and also like betting on them.

[Sammye3]

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 have made a valid point and that is justifiably the case with chess. Gambling addicts are mostly drawn to games that wins by chance and does not require optimum intelligence as opposed to chess. In a game of chess, there is a 100% possibility that a player with a better strategy will always win no matter the circumstances and that is the most satisfying part.

There is no back story with chess, just the basic strategy and an assured win. There is no external constraints that could manipulate the game unlike sports betting where the odds could be the biggest manipulative factor that decides the game. The addiction in chess could come naturally as a player progresses in better strategies and wins every competition, that excitement could be what intrigues him to keep playing.

[free-bit.co.in]

If your argument is that slot machine or roulette are addictive because you just press only button. But chess is not addictive because it consume lot of biochemical energy and brain power. I think such idea is not entirely correct.

Just as there is sudden dopamine spike at the moment of winning after any uncertain outcome in slot. A difficult move, clutch tactic or hard fought victory in blitz chess can also give you strong sense of reward and motivate you to play another match . Even I think victory after complex calculation could make your brain feel more rewarding. Only those who play chess will understand this.

[Maslate]

Do you think the nature of chess can breed addicts?

If bookies would offer a market for that, then yes, betting on it is possible. But since its usually not being offered, then the game stays more focused on the actual players and how people enjoy watching it. In our country, we actually have many good chess players who have achieved international awards, but they are still not that popular. One reason is simply because chess itself is not a very popular game here.

So if the game is not that popular, obviously fewer people will get addicted to betting on it. Compared to slots, the result is almost instant, its easy to play, and people can keep betting again and again. That's why addiction can happen much easier there.


I find this weird comparison honestly

[viljy]

If a person plays chess every day at a club or online, is it really just a hobby anymore? It’s more like an addiction. There are different types of addiction. For example, gaming addiction to computer or video games is associated with the pleasure derived from gaming achievements and overcoming difficulties. Similarly, in chess, the main prize is victory. This also forms a kind of addiction. Another thing is that this addiction is generally harmless, unlike gambling addiction. So the issue isn’t the complexity of the game. Moreover, some gambling games also require mental and emotional effort, for example, poker or preferans.

[DanWalker]

Do you think the nature of chess can breed addicts?

If you look at online chess like Chess.com or Lichess these days, you will understand how people spend hours playing Bullet or Blitz games.

I have played in them, when I lose I think I have to play another match and recover my rating a little and then I don't play again, lol. The rating goes up and down but the game never stops

I really don't see a big difference here between simple button press mechanics like slots and 3 or 10-minute quick-decision moves like Blitz. Rather, there is more addiction than slot I think.

[Die_empty]

Do you think the nature of chess can breed addicts?

I have seen people use physical chess games for gambling. Some of them become so committed to these games that other aspect of their lives begins to suffer. My argument is that all games, including chess, could lead to addiction if the player loses control.

Nevertheless, your argument is valid because you would hardly see many people addicted to chess. The intellectual challenge and rigorous skills that are needed to excel in chess make it less addictive than random games like slots.

[Floxynice]

This is a very good observation. Chess is not as simple as other games like slots, sports betting and others. Chess is complex and requires skills to play it perfectly. Maybe there are addicts, but they are very few and don't share there experiences. Or, it could also be that the complexity of the game makes it less addictive.

Another reason for the less addictive nature of chess is that it is fun if there is another partner who knows how to play it as well. In my area, only few people know how to play chess. If there are no one available to play with, it helps regulate how often they play the game.

[Ziskinberg]

So this is about sports betting, right?

so i check kalshi, and here's what i saw.. https://kalshi.com/markets/kxchessworldchampion/world-chess-champion/kxchessworldchampion-chess26

as of now its trading volume is only $1,961,153 vol... that's very small ( so the market is small and not even in sportsbook, hard to get addicted with this)
There are others who are interested, maybe they get addicted too ( who knows)... but overall now a huge share in the overall sports betting industry or prediction market.

[Royal Cap]

From what I've seen chess can be very addictive. My roommates plays chess on chess.com almost all night every day, so from that perspective he can be said to be addicted. In my opinion chess can be addictive, just not like gambling. In chess the reward comes from your own skill and decision and in gambling, the uncertain reward keeps people trying again and again, which is an important aspect of gambling addiction. So it's not right to assume that a game is harmless just because it's difficult or a game of intelligence.  If a game affects a person's work or daily life, then the game can be said to have become a problem for them.

[TedMosby]

[...]
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 think one of the most important parts is that chess is a slow game. Visually, I think it's a boring game as well, with black and white colors, slow moves, and a silent atmosphere.

For people who only watch it casually, it's super boring. The adrenaline rush aspect is probably much lower compared to other competitive sports and games.

Also, I think the element of randomness in chess is really thin. In short, chess is almost entirely skill based, especially at the professional level, where players have studied countless possible moves.

So for me, if a game is almost entirely skill based, with very little (near zero) luck or randomness involved, then the game has less potential to cause gambling like addiction.

You might know some people who can spend many hours playing chess online. But in this case, I think the thing that makes them look addicted is not necessarily chess itself, but something like chasing the leaderboard, ranking system, etc.