Father advanced with outstretched hand and announced in a loud, very hearty voice: "Ee, I'm pleased to meet ye, lad. […]

Some people view tryhards negatively since more casual players can get instantly overwhelmed by people in matchmaking that are hard-pressed to win rather than to just have fun. But that’s where an important distinction is being asked: is tryharding the same as simply trying to win.

[…] simplicity and sophistication, dullardry and enthusiasm, dogmatism and flexibility, all were as current then as now.

He tried sneaking it past them, but they didn't cotton to his attempts.