system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
CMV: Chess players cannot 'play against themselves'

This has been a minor plot point in a number of TV shows, movies, or even claims made by professional chess players.

My view is that one cannot objectively and competitively play against themselves in chess--in many cases, players make a move (rotate the board or move to the other side), then act as the other player.

I don't believe someone can detach themselves from the strategy of their moves as their own opponent, and that this presentation of 'playing against oneself' in chess is a farce, and cannot be objectively played in the way it's often showed.

I'm not married to this view, and a recent episode of Criminal Minds reminded me of this again--but it's lore I've seen often, and don't believe to be possible.

**Edit:** As a few have mentioned, and this isn't necessary a change of view, but more specific context to offer: I don't mean to refer to those that make a move... then do other things for a day or two, and return, then repeat and continue. 

I mean to refer to those that play themselves in chess over the course of an hour or two. "Make a move--resume your role as your own opponent, take some time to contemplate, make another move--and repeat"
gpt
>I don't believe someone can detach themselves from the strategy of their moves as their own opponent, and that this presentation of 'playing against oneself' in chess is a farce, and cannot be objectively played in the way it's often showed.

The whole point of playing against yourself isn't to be competitive. its to stress test your own strategy. High level chess players have certain moves that they prefer to play and by playing against themselves they can see what counter play is available. In other words its practice in learning the weakness of moves.