Best to Say Nothing at All?

[ChrisinNC]

In a tournament match, at the completion of the match, if I’m on the winning end, I feel the most courteous and respectful thing to say to my opponent when looking them in the eyes and shaking their hand is to say nothing at all.

The last thing I ever want to hear if I’m on the losing end is “good match”, especially if I played poorly, which is usually the case for the loser. Saying “I got lucky” is not much better, but I feel saying nothing at all is the best choice to show respect to my opponent.

The exception to this is in the rare case in which both players played well, then it would be acceptable to say “That was a good hard fought match” or “You played very well” or something to that effect. Opinions?

 

[sjm]

I think your approach is a good one. For me, win or lose, I often say "thanks for the game."

 

[David in FL]

If I know them and recognize that they played poorly I'll sometimes let them know that I recognize that...

Something like..."Yeah, not your best tonight. I'll take what I can get though...".

I agree, telling someone "good match" when they couldn't get out of a wet paper bag is condescending and pisses me off when it happens to me!

 

[Cicerone88]

handshake with a nod, and go on your way.

 

[Duane Remick]

In a tournament match, at the completion of the match, if I’m on the winning end, I feel the most courteous and respectful thing to say to my opponent when looking them in the eyes and shaking their hand is to say nothing at all.

The last thing I ever want to hear if I’m on the losing end is “good match”, especially if I played poorly, which is usually the case for the loser. Saying “I got lucky” is not much better, but I feel saying nothing at all is the best choice to show respect to my opponent.

The exception to this is in the rare case in which both players played well, then it would be acceptable to say “That was a good hard fought match” or “You played very well” or something to that effect. Opinions?

Typically, here in Tulsa...fist-bump

 

[jasonlaus]

I jump up and down screaming you suck and im the champion

 

[j2pac]

I jump up and down screaming you suck and im the champion

I have no doubt.

 

[j2pac]

In a tournament match, at the completion of the match, if I’m on the winning end, I feel the most courteous and respectful thing to say to my opponent when looking them in the eyes and shaking their hand is to say nothing at all.

The last thing I ever want to hear if I’m on the losing end is “good match”, especially if I played poorly, which is usually the case for the loser. Saying “I got lucky” is not much better, but I feel saying nothing at all is the best choice to show respect to my opponent.

The exception to this is in the rare case in which both players played well, then it would be acceptable to say “That was a good hard fought match” or “You played very well” or something to that effect. Opinions?

I usually say something positive to my opponent even when I lose. If you can't handle losing...play better.

 

[skor]

I always say "thank you", win or loose.
When I loose and my opponent say "good match", I usually replay in a jokingly manner "not good enough"

 

[InsertCleverNameHere]

In a tournament match, at the completion of the match, if I’m on the winning end, I feel the most courteous and respectful thing to say to my opponent when looking them in the eyes and shaking their hand is to say nothing at all.

The last thing I ever want to hear if I’m on the losing end is “good match”, especially if I played poorly, which is usually the case for the loser. Saying “I got lucky” is not much better, but I feel saying nothing at all is the best choice to show respect to my opponent.

The exception to this is in the rare case in which both players played well, then it would be acceptable to say “That was a good hard fought match” or “You played very well” or something to that effect. Opinions?

Handshake and a gentlemans nod. Undefeated.

Though I do hit them with the "see you in the finals" sometimes.

 

[jlrowe]

A smart word of advice...If he is a big biker looking dude. Don't say "Better luck next time bud don't quit your day job."

 

[KREE8TIV]

Always have said at the beginning of match , " Thanks for inviting me " , fist bump ( mostly ) to start match then another fist bump or hand shake at end of match , nod

 

[JasonATX]

It's sometimes a handshake but normally a fist bump around here. I have said something like "Good match" in the past, but it totally makes sense why I should not. I guess I never really thought about it. I like SJM's comment and I'm going to start using that.

 

[bobbydee]

My favorite is the whole one goes to fist bump and the other to shake. Then you both reverse. Then someone ends up shaking a fist.

 

[Zerksies]

I never understood that. You beat someone 7-0 and they say good game. No i pounded the Poop out of you.

 

[gregcantrall]

Uh oh a triggered memory of an occasion where I lost and was down on myself for my poor performance. The youngster that won was a rookie and obviously knew my reputation. So when I extended my hand.....he stepped inside it and Hugged Me!!!!!
Oh wow, it brought me out of my self pity funk. I had to chuckle at myself and was able to genuinely be happy for him.
Real Efing Happy.

 

[Rusty in Montana]

Win loose or draw I try to be humble after the game is finished at the beginning I'll say something along the lines of lets have some fun ! With a smile on my face . As my arthritis gets to flaring up at times a gentle fist bump is preferred which that can even be painful .

 

[KREE8TIV]

Painful is right , own team mate thought it was a good idea to fist punch my knuckles . Still inflamed after a month ... getting old

 

[Black-Balled]

"I laughed, I cried, I loved it. See ya next time, fish."

 

[Oikawa]

I usually say well played if I lost, and nothing (just like the OP) if I win, letting the opponent initiate conversation if they so wish to do.