Quote:
Originally Posted by ookook
The concern for cheating is completely reasonable. And if you want to underestimate me simply for wearing headphones, then that would be lovely. But I still don't see how it's rude at all, much less "the rudest thing I feel a chessplayer can do." Has to be tongue-in-cheek hyperbole.
I wouldn't underestimate you. If it's a rated game it's simply not allowed and i would first ask you to take them out and, in case you wouldn't, inform the arbiter. Additionaly, it's simply impolite to wear them because it shows a lack of respect for the opponent if you can't be bothered to invest all your attention into the game. Like someone reading a newspaper on his opponent's move (i've seen that).
I also feel ohsnapz exaggerates a little. But it's a known fact that headphone-wearers underestimate the noise they are delivering to their surroundings and the disctraction they cause themselves.