Preparation

I was wondering if any of you study your opponents' previous games in order to find weaknesses, etc.

I don't, but I am a beginner, most of the mistakes are silly tactical ones (from me and my opponents).

Originally posted by ThudanBlunder
I was wondering if any of you study your opponents' previous games in order to find weaknesses, etc.

I definetly do just in OTB though. That adds at least 50 points to your rating. Then best feeling is go into the game know what the opponent is going to play and have something prepared for that opening. That way you know what to do, which plans to follow etc...

I owe my most important victories to preparation.

Only when I'm preparing for the Candidate's cycle or a World Championship.

I haven't looked at my opponents games, but on the very rare occasion I have changed my game because I knew the style of my opponent. For example, in my first game of the season I played someone I knew from years ago who likes to attack at all costs. In light of this I played a very solid opening as White (not my usual first choice), accepted the two pawns he sacrificed and swapped off major pieces as quickly as I could in order to get to a winning ending.

I study my opponents games, as well as the opponents my opponent played against. Then I check their moves through Bilguer's Handbuch and Fritz/Shredder/hiarcs, before I make a move. Then I throw chicken bones across the board and consult a Ouiji before i make a move.

Then I lose.