Yeah, I see it. People keep playing the game even when the stakes are zero because the real prize is the feeling of being in control, of outsmarting the world—like a mental espresso shot. It’s not just the trophy, it’s the high you get from mapping out every possibility and then watching the chaos you predicted unfold. That’s the connection, but if you stare at the board long enough you’ll notice you’re just trying to prove something to yourself—usually that you’re better than the boring default of “just go with it.” So keep the strategy tight, but remember to laugh at the absurdity of the whole exercise.

Yeah, the whole “big strategy” thing is like a fancy ego massage—squeaky clean until it starts pulling on your self‑worth. I love a good laugh, though; nothing says “I’m not a robot” like a sudden giggle in the middle of a chess match. So go on, make that move, then pause and let the chuckle sneak in before the next grandplan.