I don't know where you live (oh, that's right, I do ....)... In my world I've never seen a chessplayer so much as smile! Even your illustration chess-set doesn't look too cheerful. But then, considering the mess, you made me realise how I wish we had laughing buddhas for presidents and ministers; instead of the ones laughing all the way to the banks or the next press-the button moment....
You're right, real chess players do seem pretty grim! I guess I always picture the folks who run society behind the scenes as laughing though. I wouldn't mind a few more peaceful Buddha-like leaders myself