@Martin saidThere comes a time in one's chess development when one begins to understand strategic principles--control of dark or light squares, the power of the bishop-pair, occupying a weak sq. in the opposing camp with a knight, wild pigs on the 7th rank, maneuvering the opponent into zugzwang, etc.--and there comes a time when one can actually see the possibility of these principles on the board and start playing to achieve them on the board, and even if they don't always lead to victory, at least one saw the principles in action---those are the games I enjoy.
Why do some games feel like 'good fun' and other just 'mechanical'
It doesn't seem to matter the opponent!!
I love a bit of fun in a game with a few wild moves and crazy mistakes - usually on my part
Other games are just pushing wood about, aimlessly, until one side or the other commits a finally fatal mistake; these games are not so much fun.
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@Martin saidSome players enjoy grinding out a game, replete with lots of mechanical moves and solid positional play (especially if they win) Others prefer wild, unbalanced play featuring unconventional or even ugly positions. I suppose this depends on one's personality.
Why do some games feel like 'good fun' and other just 'mechanical'
It doesn't seem to matter the opponent!!
I love a bit of fun in a game with a few wild moves and crazy mistakes - usually on my part
JMHO - To be a complete player one needs to be able to adapt to both scenarios. 🙂
@Martin saidIt probably doesn't apply to many on here,but when you get to a higher level and you know all the theories and consequently the best moves,I suppose play does become "mechanical".
Why do some games feel like 'good fun' and other just 'mechanical'
It doesn't seem to matter the opponent!!
I love a bit of fun in a game with a few wild moves and crazy mistakes - usually on my part
That's probably why grandmaster games often end in a draw.
Chess is one of few game where luck is not really a factor in so much as you only win if your opponent makes a mistake.
That is also why you can never beat a computer at Draughts/checkers.
Computers never make mistakes.