Luck? No.

[BeggardNobility]

I'm an inexperienced player and I've had a fair share of losses, so I don't mind losing...as much. I just have one simple request for those experienced players gaming with me--if I have an advantage in mid-game or end-game, but I lose--please, don't call it luck. I consider it a slap in the face, an insult, if for no other reason than you have played 5-10-20 times more games than me, and you win twice as much. if i make some poor moves, some poor choices, that's the way it goes--when you're playing me, if you're experienced, then it's experience, not luck--don't patronize me. if you beat me and call it luck, i have an excuse to not respect you as a player--because you're a lucky punk, right?

[ghochan1]

But sometimes it is luck. With Stratego, outcomes can sometimes depend on the initial placement of pieces. If I happen to have my big guns in the right place at the right time to snack on your army, that is largely -- or at least partially -- luck. A close game can turn on the happenstance meeting of two unknown pieces, as I've learned to my own detriment many, many times . . .

In any case, I wouldn't regard it as a slap in the face. Even if luck didn't play a role, your opponent is trying to be a good sport and a gracious winner, as opposed to the kind of player who might rub your nose in it. I would attribute the "luck" statement to that, not to any attempt to minimize your play or her/his own.

A lot of the really strong players will also offer some feedback if you ask for it, telling you where you went wrong so that you can improve your game for next time. The majority of us here try very hard to keep things friendly and respectful while maintaining a high level of competition. Keep that in mind and give people, especially those who may not share your native language, the benefit of the doubt.