In the Scientific American of 2 July 1859, under the headline "Chess-playing excitement", an article bemoaned that "a pernicious excitement to learn and play chess has spread all over the country". This was deplorable because "chess is a mere amusement of a very inferior character, which robs the mind of valuable time that might be devoted to nobler acquirements, while at the same time it affords no benefit whatever to the body".

I don't intend to join clans, thanks. Challenges with timeouts tighter than 3/14 or 7/7 will be declined - there will be times when I don't play for several days.

I mostly play competitions to get a variety of opponents, and play 'welcome' games with newcomers. A bit of social chat (in English) over the game is welcome, but I won't take it amiss if opponents prefer just playing.