Why they say that winning isn't anything is how you play the game?

Question

Why they say that winning isn't anything is how you play the game?

Answer 1

The expression is, "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game."

If it doesn't matter if you win or lose, why do they keep score?

Answer 2

Because in a sense it's true.  As the expression goes "On any given Sunday..."  It is possible to play your best and still lose.  A single loss is just a short-term failure.  If you only look at how to win NOW, you may be setting yourself up for numerous failures in the future.  But if you focus on what will be best for you in the LONG run, then overall you should do much better.