There is a person who is good at chess that I might have to play soon. This chess player is smug (always talking during and before a game, saying he’ll win, builds himself a reputation), and that seems to be why he wins. Are there any psychological strategies you use to undermine players like this? Actual playing strategies and resources are helpful, too. Thanks in advance.

It used to be rare to go a session on Yahoo’s backgammon without playing a few Iranians, and/or various other Middle Eastern countries.

I can’t find any now. Why is this?
Ha Ha! Trying to get even by being a meanie I see.

No, I think the Iranians can’t access the servers that would allow them to play.

They are not there anymore. I play a lot, and enjoyed playing against the Iranians.

I’ll give you the best answer because you’re the only one who bothered with an answer.

You did cheat on that "snagglepuss" question. You know you did.

I would have as well, but am to new to this to think about such things. Thanks for the tip.

Two top grandmasters, Maxim Dlugy and Hikaru Nakamura, battle it out in a 1-minute blitz game after the US Championship. IM Ben Finegold comments on the side.