Only Chess
09 Feb 06
09 Feb 06
I have an OTB tournament coming up w/end after next. I used to play and do well in these in my teens but since I came back to chess in 2004 I have been underperforming at them.
Since my rating had expired I entered my 1st OTB last February in the 1600 players.
I just always seem to blunder OTB especially when ahead. I gave Q away once, gave perpetual check when 2 pieces up, missed mate twice (and lost both later). Advice welcomed.
09 Feb 06
Originally posted by malingaBefore making any move, always think "What would I do if I were playing the other side?" It sounds to me like you are not thinking for your opponent.
I have an OTB tournament coming up w/end after next. I used to play and do well in these in my teens but since I came back to chess in 2004 I have been underperforming at them.
Since my rating had expired I entered my 1st OTB last February in the 1600 players.
I just always seem to blunder OTB especially when ahead. I gave Q away once, gave perpetual check when 2 pieces up, missed mate twice (and lost both later). Advice welcomed.
chess.emrald.net sharpen up your tactical skills before any tournament.
09 Feb 06
To me, it sounds like you've got the skills; you're just not following the golden rule of chess:
Play slowly. Sometimes I'll physically sit on my hands to keep them back until I've analyzed everything. Other good advice I've heard:
Before you move, look for checks, captures, and threats of your pieces, and then do the same for his/her pieces. Ask yourself 'Why did they make that move? What can they do to me now that they couldn't before? Believe it or not, your pieces are not more important than his.
"Find a good move, then look for a better one". Many times that's saved me. Either I found a mistake (a piece hanging or tactical error) or I've found a better move. At a minimum, that principle makes me reanalyze my current choice of move.
09 Feb 06
1 edit
Originally posted by magnublmYou are probably right on the time thing. I always have loads left when I game is over win lose or draw.
[b]To me, it sounds like you've got the skills; you're just not following the golden rule of chess:
Play slowly. Sometimes I'll physically sit on my hands to keep them back until I've analyzed everything.
Of the 24 games I've played OTB since I returned I've been outplayed in just 2. Of the 22 remaining I won just 14 drew 3 lost 5. When I'm ahead I seem to relax and take win for granted.
One thing I've thought of doing was writing down my move and the line I expect game to go before actually making my move. I think I rely too heavily on the analyse board thingy here. Once i put piece where I intend to I can THEN see why it's a crappy idea and think again. OTB ya can't do that.
And I'm always looking for killer combinations when sometimes there are obvious winning slowly moves right there.
09 Feb 06
Originally posted by malingaFollow the advice above... play slowly, and make sure you aren't missing anything obvious before looking at complex lines.
I have an OTB tournament coming up w/end after next. I used to play and do well in these in my teens but since I came back to chess in 2004 I have been underperforming at them.
Since my rating had expired I entered my 1st OTB last February in the 1600 players.
I just always seem to blunder OTB especially when ahead. I gave Q away once, gave perpetual check when 2 pieces up, missed mate twice (and lost both later). Advice welcomed.
I always played up a section (before I was too highly rated to play in anyhting except the top section). E.g., I played in the U1800s instead of the u1500's when I was 1270. You may not do very well to begin with, but within a few tournaments, you will find you are holding your own, and getting good scores. You will also find it easier to beat players slightly weaker than you after a few tourneys against stronger players.
09 Feb 06
I always played up a section (before I was too highly rated to play in anyhting except the top section). E.g., I played in the U1800s instead of the u1500's when I was 1270.I was recommended by my club to enter U1600 rather than U1200 because they see me play every week. I figured that I might as well gain experience before moving up and that I could even win. Course, that hasn't proved to be the case... Playing U1200 next w/end anyway and hopefully will improve my score a little
09 Feb 06
Originally posted by malingaThis isn't a "chess ability" problem. It is a result of tunnel vision where you are focusing on a particular section of the board to the exclusion of the rest of it. After your opponent moves and before you move, do a visual scan of ranks files and diagonals. It'll take a little practice, but will eventually become automatic, and it will eliminate those kinds of blunders.
I just always seem to blunder OTB especially when ahead. I gave Q away once, gave perpetual check when 2 pieces up, missed mate twice (and lost both later). Advice welcomed.[/b]
10 Feb 06
Originally posted by DoctorScribblesI believe FIDE rules (used for almost all OTB tourneys) now state that you cannot write down a move on the scoresheet, until the move has been played.
Is this allowed under USCF rules? Can the scoresheet be used to write calculations and analysis?
10 Feb 06
Originally posted by welsharnieI have a separte notebook where I intend to scribble away. No rule against that. On the competition scoresheet I'll only be writing down actual moves.
I believe FIDE rules (used for almost all OTB tourneys) now state that you cannot write down a move on the scoresheet, until the move has been played.
Tunnel vision eh, might have something there. I'll try your exercise.
10 Feb 06
Originally posted by Jusuhplayed slots once in Monaco. Won 4000F (about 380 euro now)on 3rd go. Played roulettle once. Won (on number 13) and left with twice my stake. I'm naturally lucky at games of chance. It's great.
uhhh...maybe you should try casino games..
I also win raffles etc all the time. This year (and it's only Feb) I've won a w/end away in 4 star hotel and €100. Easy. My daughter has my luck too. She's 2 in July and has 100% record (4 from 4) of draws that her name has been entered in...
Freaky huh? Wife (who has never won a thing ever) keeps wanting to enter Anna in more stuff but I'm all against it. Bide your time. Don't abuse the luck and it'll stay with ya I say.
10 Feb 06
1 edit
Originally posted by TippedKingI found that to be true as well the first year I started playing here. Now that I'm adjusted a little more, my OTB play is staying consistant and solid. My record this year is 18-1-5. It takes time but the online barrier can be broken.
Personally, I find too much online play really can adversely impact my OTB play. I see too many small 2d chess boards and a full sized regular chessboard is huge by comparison.
Edit: I do find it handy to not play online a day or 2 before the tournament though, or much computer use at all. It keeps the 2d imagry out of your head and makes it easier to see a 3d board.
10 Feb 06
Originally posted by TippedKingAs long as you're not playing too fast a time control, play internet games on a board in front of you.
Personally, I find too much online play really can adversely impact my OTB play. I see too many small 2d chess boards and a full sized regular chessboard is huge by comparison.