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OTB playing against stronger opponent

OTB playing against stronger opponent

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What would you advice me in playing against a 200-300 points (FM) stronger opponent ?
Should I play as usually with my theoretical lines(of course, probably the FM knows them even better than I) or should I try something specific, after I check some games from DB before(like Grob, or 1. Nh3 or Reti) to get some idea about the main strategic ideas and typical positions ?

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Originally posted by vipiu
What would you advice me in playing against a 200-300 points (FM) stronger opponent ?
Should I play as usually with my theoretical lines(of course, probably the FM knows them even better than I) or should I try something specific, after I check some games from DB before(like Grob, or 1. Nh3 or Reti) to get some idea about the main strategic ideas and typical positions ?
I would, in my humble experience, not try to play some off stream opening, like the Grob. I would not either play some well known theory. I would play, as I usually do, with rationality and intuitivity.

I mean, if the theory says X and I don't know the meaning of X then I should play Y if I feel more confortable with Y.

Do preparations like : eating the right stuff, drinking the right stuff, sleep properly the night before, don't go into situations that make your mind off balance, don't allow yourself to be nervous, and such things. Perhaps obvious when you think about it, but if you don't think of these 'rules' you tend to brake them.

But what's my advices worth, with my rating in mind...?

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Originally posted by vipiu
What would you advice me in playing against a 200-300 points (FM) stronger opponent ?
Should I play as usually with my theoretical lines(of course, probably the FM knows them even better than I) or should I try something specific, after I check some games from DB before(like Grob, or 1. Nh3 or Reti) to get some idea about the main strategic ideas and typical positions ?
Play what you know. They will smash up any attempt at a Grob, Reti or an off beat opening system. Unless you are very proficient with the off beat system they will most probably know it better than you do and this will put you at an additional disadvantage. Stronger opponent who knows the system better than you plus unfamiliar territory can't be good.

I suppose they might try one on you!

Anyway - good luck and maybe you could post the game so we can all take a peek!

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Do preparations like : eating the right stuff, drinking the right stuff,
Regarding what to eat I read some recent research published in the New Scientist that suggested we are more alert and aware of our surroundings when slightly hungry. They gave the analogy of a tiger hunting it's prey...which it would do when it's hungry....so maybe less is more on the food front.

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play what you know.....

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Originally posted by vipiu
What would you advice me in playing against a 200-300 points (FM) stronger opponent ?
Should I play as usually with my theoretical lines(of course, probably the FM knows them even better than I) or should I try something specific, after I check some games from DB before(like Grob, or 1. Nh3 or Reti) to get some idea about the main strategic ideas and typical positions ?
I'm reading Yermolinsky's book, and he talks about this very subject. He said that one should trust their openings, no matter the opposition, GM or patzer. He said that he, as a strong player, loves to see people deviate and play weaker stuff against him (he used c3 sicilian as an example) rather than stronger main lines.

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Originally posted by wargamer66
I'm reading Yermolinsky's book, and he talks about this very subject. He said that one should trust their openings, no matter the opposition, GM or patzer. He said that he, as a strong player, loves to see people deviate and play weaker stuff against him (he used c3 sicilian as an example) rather than stronger main lines.
on the other side you know the story of that famous GM player that won against World Champion Karpov using b5 against d4(or e4)...because he said he did not want to play against karpov strong preparation...

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Originally posted by vipiu
on the other side you know the story of that famous GM player that won against World Champion Karpov using b5 against d4(or e4)...because he said he did not want to play against karpov strong preparation...
Actually Tony Miles played the even stranger a6 in reply to Karpov's 1.e4.

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I think you're smartest to play your own game. Never treat your opponent as 'stronger' when you're playing. You can consider them that way before and after but not during a game.

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I'd guess you'd be better off playing objectively the best chess you can, no tricks. which probably means the openings you know best. -for tony miles 'the best chess' was going off the beaten path, but that's his specialty, the thing he does best.

play what you feel most comfortable with. an FM is just an FM, he'll have to find the moves during the game just like the rest of us. the title or the rating won't give him a single moves, they're all there on the board for you to find just as well. just play your best chess.

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Originally posted by vipiu
on the other side you know the story of that famous GM player that won against World Champion Karpov using b5 against d4(or e4)...because he said he did not want to play against karpov strong preparation...
Yes, there are counter-examples.... Too bad they didn't print all the times Karpov destroyed someone throwing weak stuff at him along with the score to that game 🙂

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Originally posted by vipiu
What would you advice me in playing against a 200-300 points (FM) stronger opponent ?
Should I play as usually with my theoretical lines(of course, probably the FM knows them even better than I) or should I try something specific, after I check some games from DB before(like Grob, or 1. Nh3 or Reti) to get some idea about the main strategic ideas and typical positions ?
You should choose opening which you know very well, in which your opponent have less chances to "catch" you.

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Originally posted by Mahout
Play what you know. They will smash up any attempt at a Grob, Reti or an off beat opening system. Unless you are very proficient with the off beat system they will most probably know it better than you do and this will put you at an additional disadvantage. Stronger opponent who knows the system better than you plus unfamiliar territory can't be good.

I ...[text shortened]... one on you!

Anyway - good luck and maybe you could post the game so we can all take a peek!
Never! The Grob is a great weapon for OTB play!

I have secured some memorable wins with it against far stronger opposition.

There is a slight caveat. You do need to know how to play it better than your opponent as if you don't expect a swift defeat.

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Do you know if you'll be playing with the black or white pieces?

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