This isn't a list of Frequently Asked Questions list as it is one of Frequently Given Reactions. I have been talking about Drunken Chess for over three years now, and been trying to get people interested in the Tournament since March 2002, but I'm often met with an odd resistance: Let me assure you, no one plays well after a few drinks. Well, at least very few players do. However, while ability goes down, enjoyment goes up, particularly for those who don't play as well.

This is a part of a hypothesis of mine: being drunk makes chess funnier. There are many moments (most of which have been forgotten in drunken hazes) where something was done during a chess game that was either illegal, just plain stupid, or just "funny looking" and laughter would ensue. It's part of the appeal of Drunken Chess.

Another big appeal of DCT is that it's not taken as seriously. People still like to win, but there's no prize involved, and the bragging rights are pretty piss poor if you keep yourself sober during the tournament, so all players are encouraged to imbibe more and get more drunk.

The one case I cite each time is that during our first tournament, one of our two finalists was a total novice, but he was able to make it to the finals, beating away some players who would have been tough competition had everyone involved been sober.

If you are worried about being bored after you're eliminated in the first round, don't be. First of all, you'll play in at least two games, since the first one doesn't count for ranking as the players are still (in theory) sober. Second, if you are eliminated, you'll be with half of the players at that point. There's nothing to stop you from breaking off, continuing to drink and play chess with other players, and enjoy yourself at the tournament. Finally, and most important, you might actually win! With no entry fee and plenty of time to enjoy your Saturday night afterwards, what's there to lose?

Finally, the Drunken Chess Tournament isn't something to come and win. It's something to come and experience first and foremost, and winning is just gravy to that player.

If you're still worried about looking like a fool, don't worry -- you will. We all will. That's part of the fun. But if that isn't enough to put you at ease, you have one last excuse: you can tell everyone you suck because you were drunk. That's what I do every time! ;) I get this one sometimes too. I respect that, but we can't have sober people playing in the tournament (except for initially). However, if you would still like to come out, you are most welcome. After the first elimination round there's plenty of potential players around, and as long as you don't mind them drinking, they'll be happy to play you.
If you'd like to pop by and check it out for a bit, you're welcome. We love having people watching us (provided, of course, that they don't interfere with the tournament). And maybe it will give you incentive to get involved with the next tournament we hold.

Those are the basic reactions I get from people, and I explain myself and DCT constantly, so I figured I'd post it up for those who aren't physically available at the moment for me to rant about what a great thing Drunken Chess Tournaments can be.