LibraryScenariosWhen casual family games become too serious and competitive
Scenario

When casual family games become too serious and competitive

My brother and I have been playing chess every Sunday for years and lately he's been getting increasingly intense about it, studying openings online and timing my moves, turning what used to be casual into something that feels like a tournament. I don't want to hurt his feelings but it's sucking all the joy out of our time together.

Nas
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

One person's increased investment in winning threatens the easy intimacy that drew them to play together in the first place.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Games — board games and card games?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.