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

[DrBeer]

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’ll share my opinion - my personal opinion. To start with, I’ve been playing chess since I was 5, my uncle got me into it, back in the days of the USSR, he was a fairly strong grandmaster there.
For me, chess is the BEST tool for training the brain and developing critical thinking. Moreover, chess teaches you to model a multitude of possible scenarios for how events might unfold and to make plans based on those probabilities. In other words, it’s a highly intellectual sport. It requires a certain mindset, constant practice, studying other people’s games and their outcomes, analysis, and so on. All your actions are focused on the RESULT, not on money. What’s valuable there is the complexity of the victory, the combinations, and the unconventional solutions - money is secondary.

[Iranus]

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.

I didnt heard about Bobby Fischer but I had heard of Paul Morphy. He was the best chess player of 19th century lost his mental health at one point in his life. Because he had no other world left outside of chess.

In chess you don't have to depend on RNG, but you have to use your skill and strategy to win. Here unlike traditional gambling your pocket money will not be lost directly, but you will waste your time and you may also feel mental fatigue. Here you may not have the desire to recover your lost money quickly, but as many have said your ego will force you to play more match.

So I think it is definitely addictive but in a different way.

[Leahized]

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.

No, chess does not require any self-control it is purely a brain game and requires strict skill. The role of technique in chess is everywhere. I have been associated with chess for almost 9 years. Although now I don't play regularly because it puts a lot of stress on the brain. Currently i'm training some school students as they participate in various competitions through the institute. I think those students can take it as a stepping stone to success.

However, chess does not have an addictive effect. Although this is considered by many to be a gamble, it would be the wrong move. Because it is possible to analyze correctly in other games, but it is never possible in chess. But many players can be vindictive in chess. To be honest, in the new situation I myself am dealing with the opponent player like this.

[YOSHIE]

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

Even though if we look at chess in general it is rare to see the effects of addiction, it is not the same as other types of gambling games, slots, sports, poker where we generally see the effects of addiction more commonly for gamblers.

From my perspective, in my area of ​​course I have seen several people who are addicted to chess, these people don't want to deal with other types of gambling games, they are very, very strong towards the game of chess, whatever happens without chess, even though it seems that chess addiction is not as big as other gambling games, but from what I have seen there are people who are addicted to chess.

[Ishicryptic]

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.

Chess game is complex and many people and gamblers don't have the patience to sit and watch for a very long time without much actions, I believe this is why there are not many chess fans globally so the addiction rate would be very low compared to popular games that are very easy to understand and enjoy. I think that it is nerds that can enjoy chess games more and I know that they would be sensible enough not to get addicted to it also bettors don't have much interest in it so it is a relatively a safe game to stay focused and increase intelligence. I've never heard anybody say that they want to place a bet on a chess competition and I believe that it is very few bet sites that would have chess bets. I should develop interest in the game, not for bets but to become more inquisitive and intelligent.

[sompitonov]

I think chess is different from other games; it doesn't seem like gambling, but rather a strong, logical game that requires thinking, not just pressing a button like slots. I've also noticed that many chess players have long since come to poker and become professionals. Discipline, a well-developed sense of the game, and an understanding and anticipation of their opponent's next move allowed many to become rich, especially when online and live poker was in its infancy and there were many inexperienced players. I think chess is a whole other level for mentally strong players.

[khatarnak]

Do you think the nature of chess can breed addicts?

As a Fide Titled player who has played chess seriously for 20 years, This is a pretty misleading take.
Chess is absolutely addictive.
Just look at how many players keep coming back to blitz and bullet long after their serious playing days are over,
_ Chasing rating,
_ Wins,
_ Testing whether their calculation is still there.

A lot of people here probably don't even know what a FIDE title is, yet we are making broad claims about chess addiction.

[BitBakerr1]

If your time to perform other activities can be taken because of chess, then you are addicted to it.
People can actually be addicted to something that they put or give too much attention to, we have people that love chess so much that they can spend all day playing it.
one of the reasons why you can spend a whole day playing chess is because of the thinking involved in chess, you are going to actually think for long and that thinking is killing time.

I have not actually seen someone that is addicted to chess and this is because people that are around me don’t play chess.
If people can be addicted to craft, then I believe people can be addicted to chess because they are almost the same thing.

[Youngrebel]

First of all, gamblers prefer something that's easier for them or you can say a game that doesn't really require critical thinking, the game if chess isn't as easy as other casino games because it requires a certain level of skill, playing just a round of this and either ending up winning or losing would definitely take time and a lot of gamblers don't have that patience. It is a game of skill, if you don't know how to play the game there's nothing you can do to win.

Chess doesn't really give gamblers that dopamine spike that they are looking for since it is not a luck based game, people that love to play chess are mostly non gamblers and even if they do gamble or stake on it they only do it for entertainment purposes and not to chase wins.

[Fortify]

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 think you've possibly jumped to a conclusion with no evidence for or against this. I guess your line of reasoning is similar to: why are there no addicts who play football, but that still doesn't quite fit. Football needs certain facilities, even if it's just a garden to kick the ball around or do some tricks and it's not always hospitable to do that year round (or at night) for different reasons. However I believe you'll find plenty of online chess addicts who go back to back on games for hours, but there seems to be an aversion to calling gamers of any kind addicts. Maybe it's when excessive harm starts to creep in that we call something an addiction, which is much easier to do with say drugs or alcohol - they take a toll on the mind and body. Gambling addiction takes a toll on your finances among other things. Gaming (at least the many free options) only takes away the time you spend on it, but in some cases can be a method of socializing with friends too.

[Awaklara]

Do you think the nature of chess can breed addicts?

All games can be addictive, but it really depends on the character of the person playing them. Even mobile games on smartphones, you've probably heard of kids getting addicted to games that change their habits and temperaments. 
I think the same thing could happen to chess players. But we know chess is full of calculations and strategy. Its more intense nature doesn't rule out the possibility of someone becoming addicted to playing chess. 
Besides, I know chess players who gather in alleyways. They don't just get together to challenge each other's chess skills. There's also money being wagered under the table.

[Johnlomape]

I think chess is different from other games; it doesn't seem like gambling, but rather a strong, logical game that requires thinking, not just pressing a button like slots. I've also noticed that many chess players have long since come to poker and become professionals. Discipline, a well-developed sense of the game, and an understanding and anticipation of their opponent's next move allowed many to become rich, especially when online and live poker was in its infancy and there were many inexperienced players. I think chess is a whole other level for mentally strong players.

When you are involving yourself in the same activity everytime, there is no way you are not going to become addicted to gambling.
Reasons why it look as if there is no one that is addicted to the Chess game is because we have not taken our time to see people that are really addicted to it. Being addicted to this kind of game should be seen as a normal addiction since it cost you nothing to play the Chess game unless you decided to gamble with it. We can find Chess game on casinos in form of gambling but there had been less players that has been gambling on it.

[Fiatless]

I’ll share my opinion - my personal opinion. To start with, I’ve been playing chess since I was 5, my uncle got me into it, back in the days of the USSR, he was a fairly strong grandmaster there.
For me, chess is the BEST tool for training the brain and developing critical thinking. Moreover, chess teaches you to model a multitude of possible scenarios for how events might unfold and to make plans based on those probabilities. In other words, it’s a highly intellectual sport. It requires a certain mindset, constant practice, studying other people’s games and their outcomes, analysis, and so on. All your actions are focused on the RESULT, not on money. What’s valuable there is the complexity of the victory, the combinations, and the unconventional solutions - money is secondary.

I have always wanted to learn how to play the game of chess. People who play the game in my neighbourhood are respected because only a few people could pay the price of mastering it. I don't have the time now since my focus is on other things. I have always encouraged young people to pick interest in the game.

However, chess players could also use the game as a means of gambling. If this happens, the focus might change from the fun of victory to making money.  

[Tony116]

Do you think the nature of chess can breed addicts?

If you are interested, you could play this YT video, very nice one. This video will explain you from neuroscience perspective that how chess stimulates our brain and has long term effect on neuroplasticity and players mental behavior.


What Chess Does to Your Brain | Neuroscience Explains

[SuperBitMan]

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?

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.

Playing chess online can be interesting for some people and boring for others, some set of people love online chess more than physical chess.

I believe people that play it online are more addicted than those that play it physically, the reason why I’m saying so is because in physical chess you need someone to play it with and when people are not available to play it with you, you won’t have any other option than to leave it and focus in other things.

But if you are playing chess online, you will always play it because it is not like physical chest that you need someone to play it with, in online chess you can play it with computer that is being programmed, and when you have the chance to play it every day and whenever you want, you will easily be addicted to it.

[Synchronice]

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?

First of all, casinos don't offer chess as a game and there is no point to offer it or play it on money because everyone will play with bots and it will be the war of bots, not a war between real players or in that case, there should be something implemented, like camera turned on, computer screen shared and strict control and I'm 100% confident that no one is going to go to that extend and also, even if the game is fairly played, what can you do against players like Magnus Carlsen? It's meaningless to implement chess in casinos but when it comes to addiction, there are addicts in chess as well as there are addicts in football and every other game because some people admire certain sport too much, to the point where they are almost addicted, like Cristiano Ronaldo.

Game has to involve luck in order to be played in casinos and to be addictive too.

[Perfectbaby]

Sincerely there are people who do love chess but the interest of playing chess are extremely very low compared with slot games and sports betting.
The thing is, chess is more calculative and even though sports games is more of skill based games it’s hard for one to easily place a bet and make a winning without them having to know more things about the game, unlike slot game as well which deals with more of chances without you knowing when the next winning would come.

[Makus]

Chess games are quite challenging and it is not something that gamblers would want to stress themselves over because the game is complicated. It is very easy to get addicted to games like slots and crash games but we don't have chess addicts due to the nature of the game. There are people that actually love playing chess but I cannot really say that they are addicts. For a game to be addictive it has to be something that's easy and not what's complicated like chess games.

Chess doesn't involve luck, it is a test of how well you know how to calculate, after losing the first round you will definitely know that your opponent is better than you, there won't be any need to keep playing and trying to recover losses.

[I_Anime]

Firstly chess itself is not gambling game because the outcome is primarily determined by strategy, skill and decision making rather than random chances . That’s why most time casino games tend to be more addictive, even more than sport betting because is mainly focus on one being lucky or random chances. That’s doesn’t mean the game of chess can’t be abuse in way similar to gambling addiction, some folks to play chess with money on the line and for one to win one has to outsmart the other . So in a scenario where one is challenging an opponent that’s far  better in the game of chess , and that same opponent kept winning , while the one losing don’t want to stop , due to him wanting to win also , so kept putting more money on the line that could be harmful , and can also lead to same result of that of a gambling addict.

[Aanuoluwatofunmi]

It is not as if there are no addicts among those who play chess, we only have a fewer number of gamblers that will be addicted to playing chess because it is not even a common game you can see people playing like other games, many don't even know how to play it, while those that can play may not even decided to gamble, the conditions on this varies a lot with people that are found into playing chess because they are not many like others gamblers who play other games.