Playing Matches

I'm curious how often you and Jeff play actual matches where you have full intent on winning?

As well, when you play an opponent, someone you are quite familiar with or someone new - if you get a "safe" lead in a game and can tell you are the better player (or at least have the game in the bag), do you ever "let-up" to allow the other player a chance to make the game closer and feel more accomplished? I notice I do this both with friends I play with at school, as well as when playing against guys at the club.

I feel like if I don't ease up on a weaker opponent, there's a decent chance they get really discouraged. To be fair, this game's mental aspect is extremely important, and without perseverance and determination, you won't continue to make progress. At the same time, is it fair to ease-up and lull them into a false sense of ability?

Hi Dakota,

We both don’t play competitively now.

Now I find when I play matches I am not that focused on the result.

It was interesting to hear Ma Long response in this interview where he says he would give a mercy point. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGp1CU7lrT4

On the other hand Marcos Freitas says he would definitely not give a mercy point. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYxUZmNgUD0