Thoughts from a mid level guy

Experienced players here already know this, but for you newbies, and those returning after a long absence, please be mindful of the fact that winning is many times a product of having the willingness to keep on finding strong moves deep into the game, despite the fact that your opponent does the same, and level positions never seem to end. Sooner or later your opponent (if it's a human) will make at least a small error than can be exploited. Don't be too quick to offer a draw, just because you've not been able to find a win by move 50. If you're not repeating moves, carry on! Winning also takes staying power.

Originally posted by @mchill
Experienced players here already know this, but for you newbies, and those returning after a long absence, please be mindful of the fact that winning is many times a product of having the willingness to keep on finding strong moves deep into the game, despite the fact that your opponent does the same, and level positions never seem to end. Sooner or later yo ...[text shortened]... ind a win by move 50. If you're not repeating moves, carry on! Winning also takes staying power.

Sound advice but not the full story I fear.
I find that the stronger players simply don't make small errors very often although it has been known even at grandmaster level.
I sometimes find myself in absolutely hopeless positions where I simply can't find a move which is any good and my opponent is slowly choking the life out of me.
We all have limited time to play chess and in these situations I find it better to resign and concentrate on the games where I at least have a chance.

Originally posted by @venda
Sound advice but not the full story I fear.
I find that the stronger players simply don't make small errors very often although it has been known even at grandmaster level.
I sometimes find myself in absolutely hopeless positions where I simply can't find a move which is any good and my opponent is slowly choking the life out of me.
We all have limited tim ...[text shortened]... tuations I find it better to resign and concentrate on the games where I at least have a chance.

I'm sure that's true, but once I've had my daily ration of vino, I feel the need to dispense unsolicited advice. 😛

Originally posted by @mchill
I'm sure that's true, but once I've had my daily ration of vino, I feel the need to dispense unsolicited advice. 😛

Not chess related, but I've just read in the paper about all the problems that can be created by not getting enough sleep.
One of the recommendations for a good night's sleep is no caffeine after 12 noon and no alcohol in the evening.
That's not happening then!!

Your advice to keep playing on in the hope your opponent makes a mistake but this can be wrong in some situations. It can take many moves to exploit being a piece or several pawns down, so why play when down materially? You see people playing on in positions they should have resigned and this is not a pretty sight.

The better you are the sooner you see the position is won or lost.

Originally posted by @congruent
Your advice to keep playing on in the hope your opponent makes a mistake but this can be wrong in some situations. It can take many moves to exploit being a piece or several pawns down, so why play when down materially? You see people playing on in positions they should have resigned and this is not a pretty sight.

It can take many moves to exploit being a piece or several pawns down, so why play when down materially?

Please allow me to clarify. I was speaking of playing on when one's position was equal, not when one is down material.

"There's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip." I have won several endgames which were dead draws because my opponents weren't on the ball and the tiniest relaxation can tip an even game into a win or a loss. Fatigue can loose a game as surely as a blunder. Be alert, that's my advice.

Originally posted by @mchill
It can take many moves to exploit being a piece or several pawns down, so why play when down materially?

Please allow me to clarify. I was speaking of playing on when one's position was equal, not when one is down material.

OK thanks for clarifying.