The ICC is the premier Internet venue for playing chess. I've been a member since 2002 at least. It's not cheap, but it is worth it. But while the site is fabulous, unfortunately some of the people who show up there leave a lot to be desired. Hence the acerbic tone of some of these notes.<\/span><\/p>\n 1: In life there are no takebacks. "Chess is life." (R. Fischer) Ergo, etc. <\/span><\/p>\n 2: You say your mouse slipped? That's no different than a Fingerfehler<\/em> in OTB chess. And if a man cannot control his mousie, is he a man or a mouse? <\/span><\/p>\n 3: In an unrated game, I may allow a takeback, but I will never ask for one, and you have no right to one. <\/span><\/p>\n 4: Actions have consequences. Take responsibility for the former; learn from the latter. <\/span><\/p>\n 5: Be kind to your opponent; you need him to have a game. Don't whine if you lose. If you are paired with me then you are a patzer and can expect to lose many a game. <\/span><\/p>\n 6: Play hard, but with detachment from the outcome. Apply this principle to your life as a whole. Don't blame others for your stupidity. If you are a snivelling crybaby who can't stand to lose, find another pastime, or else play your computer at its lowest setting. <\/span><\/p>\n 7: Thus spoke the Sage of the Superstitions. <\/span><\/p>\n 8: Favorite command: set busy 2. Second favorite: +censor [name of offending party] <\/span><\/p>\n 9: All churlish rascals will be forthwith zapped into the outer precincts of cyber-obscurity there to languish with rest of their scrofulous ilk for all eternity. <\/span><\/p>\n 10: If you wish to be removed from my censor list, I charge a nominal fee of 100 USD. Take advantage of this offer now before prices go up.<\/span><\/p>\n