27 Sep 07
4 edits
Originally posted by pawndevourerTake a look at this thread: Thread 74823
I'm in a tournament right now. And i need help. I always stay nervous. And I think that this nervous-ness will keep me from playing my best.
Any tips??? 🙁
Some other tips I've collected when searching for solutions to this problem (which I also share):
- meditation
- breath exercises
- get plenty of sleep the night before
- eat right (high protein, low carb), and not too much or too little
- go for a 5 to 20 minute walk before the game
- get up and stretch your legs during the game
- get yourself a squeeze-ball (those squishy things you can crush in your hands while playing)
- keep in mind that this kind of stress reaction will diminish over time as you get more experience with tournament play
- don't take your ratings too seriously and remember that it's only a game 😉
27 Sep 07
Wanting to win is my worst enemy. Wanting so bad, having so much expectation on myself.
But when I relax it seems that I play much better, more inventive, finding the most interesting (and sound) sacrifies.
So nowadays, I play for fun, not play to win (primarily), and at the same time, I'm playing better.
27 Sep 07
tournament play is a learning experience. you didn't say whether you were referring to an OTB real-life in-person tournament or if you meant an RHP tournament.
If you are referring to an RHP tournament, then my advice is to enter several others and enjoy the excitement. That's the point. You'll win some and lose some. It's okay.
If you are referring to a real life OTB tournament, my advice is to read above.
27 Sep 07
Originally posted by pawndevourerAs you are not a subscriber I assume that you are talking about a otb tournament, I would say use your time effectively, if it's a standard time tournament, do not move too quickly, use your time to look as deep as you can, investigate all checks and captures, even if they do not look beneficial at first glance, look deeper to see if an advantage appears 2/3 moves deeper. I know when I have played through my otb games, there are quite a few examples where if I had looked just one/two moves deeper into a line I could have taken a significant advantage. I am playing a league match tonight, so I play no chess during the day, prevoulsy I have played up to 5 hours of online chess earlier in the day, but have learned for me at least this is detremental on the same day of a match.
I'm in a tournament right now. And i need help. I always stay nervous. And I think that this nervous-ness will keep me from playing my best.
Any tips??? 🙁
27 Sep 07
Originally posted by pawndevourer1. Bring 12 pack of beer to table, chug one after each capture.
I'm in a tournament right now. And i need help. I always stay nervous. And I think that this nervous-ness will keep me from playing my best.
Any tips??? 🙁
2. Consult "Magic 8 Ball" (yes, no, maybe later...) for next move.
3. Juggle during opponent's move.
4. Play blindfolded or with those eyeball glasses that poker guy wears.
5. Move then tell opponent, " I have to go check my other games".
6. Offer bribe. Offer to buy his women. Offer $20 for his rook.
7. Bring laptop to table. Glance back and forth between board and screen before moving. If he objects, claim you're just looking at porn.
8. Bring bikini clad woman to table with you. Call your moves out loud, but let her make them on the board. Kiss after each move.