HOW TO RESIGN

But however much it might sting your ego, losing doesn't have to be a purely negative experience. Basic manners combined with a dash or two of common sense can make resignation livable, (ok, maybe not enjoyable!) for everyone concerned:

• When it's time to resign, Resign! If you are down significant amounts of material, or if you see that you are clearly heading down the rocky road to checkmate, it is appropriate to surrender. Making your opponent play to the bitter end when the result's a foregone conclusion is a rudeness that benefits no one.
  
• If your position still has some life in it, Play On! Maybe you see a stalemate combination, or perhaps you've spotted a tactical trick that could turn the tide? If you honestly think the game can be saved don't cave in to intimidation from your opponent. This is especially true in online chess, where a small minority of anonymous ninnies can be merciless in their ridicule when they feel they're ahead.
  
• Don't offer a draw in hopeless positions. It's just silly to suggest a draw when you're obviously done for. If your opponent was good enough to get you into your current mess, he or she's good enough not to fall for a trick like that.
  
• Do it with style. In face-to-face encounters, the absolutely correct way to resign is to tip over your king. This is preferable to saying "I resign" since that might annoy those playing beside you. Then, shake your opponent's hand as a form of silent "congratulations" for a game well played. Online, a simple "thanks", or "good game", or even "gg" for short, is a nice touch in an otherwise impersonal playing environment.
  
• Don't make excuses. Too many players immediately try to point out how they "really should have won the game" if only they hadn't made this or that mistake. Don't do this -- it's rude! Show some class instead, and let your opponent do the talking.
  
• Learn from your mistakes. It's been said that good chess players remember their bad games, while poor players remember their good ones. When you lose a chess game, you've obviously made some mistakes. A lost game, then, is a golden opportunity to figure out where your play needs improvement. Take advantage of this by asking your opponent to sit down with you and explain where he or she thinks you went wrong. Similarly, when you get back home, examine the game again -- with or without the help of a strong computer program -- to identify problem areas. Make this a habit, and you'll see big improvements in your results.