Originally posted by Tinmart69I walk around a lot, but it doesn't help much.
How do you overcome the stress at OTB games ?
I played my first game of the new season, at the local club last week, only to suffer a depressing defeat. I hadn't played any OTB chess for 4 months, and made my moves far too quick, after being a slightly nervous player at the opening.
The tension can bring pleasure as much as pain; it's a matter of perspective. I've learned to play for those moments when my heart is trying to beat out of my chest.
If I find I'm playing too fast, I'll write my move on my scoresheet along with the time on my clock two minutes hence. I will not execute the move until the time has transpired. (Note: if you are playing under FIDE rules, you cannot do this. You are not allowed to write your move first.)
Originally posted by Tinmart69Have a few pints before you start and a few more as the game progresses.
How do you overcome the stress at OTB games ?
I played my first game of the new season, at the local club last week, only to suffer a depressing defeat. I hadn't played any OTB chess for 4 months, and made my moves far too quick, after being a slightly nervous player at the opening.
Stress evaporates!
Originally posted by Dragon Fireand so does you ability to calculate!!
Have a few pints before you start and a few more as the game progresses.
Stress evaporates!
Just walk around during his move if you find yourself extremly stressed out. Make sure you are getting plenty of WATER to drink and that you have plenty of time to go to the bathroom to get rid of it. Just remembers its only a games (unless your playing for money, then feel free to stress out all you want)
Originally posted by Tinmart69By looking and feeling confident and knowing that my opponent is also a human and will most probably crack under the pressure sooner than I. I really enjoy playing important games under the pressure and also I tend to play better when the stakes are high.
How do you overcome the stress at OTB games ?
This is my problem too. I feel like my interior is bathing in adrenaline. I fear my opponent can hear my heartbeats. Valium is of no good, nor is alcohol.
One way I cure my condition is to walk around, look at the board from the opponents view. Look at other games, take a piss-break. Everything but not watching the clock. Feel calm and you will feel calmer.
The risk is not to lose on time. The risk is greater to lose of too hasty moves, not even to reach middlegame, not to say endgame. Use the time of yours, not only to sit at the board and glare into the squares, but also to go away and do other stuff.
My skill at OTB? Low. Consider these advices not very good. Just thinkable.
Originally posted by Dragon FireStrangely enough, I used to feel that I played slightly better after a single drink (no more than that). I might have been fooling myself, but I was probably too conservative as a player, and I felt one drink helped that without damaging my calculation much.
Have a few pints before you start and a few more as the game progresses. Stress evaporates!
Originally posted by c guy1
and so does you ability to calculate!!
It's a long time since I played OTB properly, so it's difficult to test it out now.
Walking around helped as well.
Originally posted by Dragon FireOK serious response now!
Have a few pints before you start and a few more as the game progresses.
Stress evaporates!
Never ever drink. Even a small amount of alcohol will impar your judgment and you will mess up.
Monitor your time and use it wisely. Not too much in the early stages when you know the moves well. Keep more for later, always more than your opponent if a quickplay finish but do use it - its not blitz and rushing your moves will result in blunders.
If you have a break take it. Go outside get fresh air (have a smoke break if you have to), have a p***. Watch other games and forget about yours for a time. Clear your mind.
Go back to each move with a fresh mind and look at the board quickly as if this is the first time you've seen it.
Its only a game. If you lose, so what?
Take you time for each move. If you are feeling the heat, get up and go for a walk then come back and look at the board with fresh eyes. Drink water during the game.
Other than that, you have to deal with it. That's one of the best things about playing in a chess tournament. Big crowds watching your game, wondering what the next move will be.
Will you win or blunder it all away?
Originally posted by JusuhWhen you are playing weaker opponents use your time finding that stunning sacrificial win, preferably involving a Queen. That will keep you on your toes.
same. especially against weaker opponents.
Otherwise beware lest complacency and arrogance gets the better of you and you lose.