17 Mar 07
1 edit
Originally posted by exigentskyThis is what I do and I've had good sucess with it.
Next weekend will be 2 tourneys for me and I'm not sure how to prepare. Should I play more games and do a few puzzles or perhaps just completely get my mind off chess so that I can play with renewed energy and enthusiasm?
If you know the pairings/colors prepare, prepare, prepare!!
It gives you a huge advantage! I owe at least 2 of my prize money winnings to that.
Lots of people show up at the club after work, play a game and leave as if nothing happened not me.
I study hard before games.
If you know who you are playing look at their games/openings and find a good opening to play against them. Doesn't have to be brillant but something you are comfortable with.
Then start doing some tactics puzzles to keep sharp. Before the game, do not play blitz. I wouldn't play blitz for that whole week. Before the game, do some really simple tactic puzzles just to warm up. The sit at the board and wait and get focussed. Chat with some people if you want.
So prepare, no blitz and do some simple tactics before the game.
Oh and most important, Good Luck! 🙂
RK
20 Mar 07
Originally posted by exigentskyAdvice from a thirty-year tournament player:
Next weekend will be 2 tourneys for me and I'm not sure how to prepare. Should I play more games and do a few puzzles or perhaps just completely get my mind off chess so that I can play with renewed energy and enthusiasm?
1. Get plenty of sleep the night before the tournament.
2. Don't study chess the night before the tournament.
3. Solve tactical puzzles as often as you can.
4. Remember that you're not going to "solve" chess. Play hard and alwlays play to win, but remember that even Grandmasters make mistakes during their games.
5. Make sure that you have an opening repertoire that you are comfortable with and have confidence playing.
6. During the week of the tournament, play over a game or two in a book like "Logical Chess: Move by Move" by Chernev or "Understanding Chess Move by Move" by Nunn. Both books annotate (in words!) every move being made. This exercise will help you get ready to "think chess."
7. Play hard, but remember chess is to be played for fun!
20 Mar 07
This is good thread and something I've been wanting advice on as well. In terms of opening repetoire, what's the best way to prepare for openings as White and Black. In other words, should I go into the tourney knowing what I'm going to play. As White, do I say Ok I'm going to play e4 no matter what and then prepare for likely responses by Black and as Black, do I prepare for the reply that I'm going to play against White's first move. There are so many possible opening options and although I have a pretty good repetoire myself, it's hard to know what to prepare for. Any advice is much appreciated!
20 Mar 07
4 edits
Originally posted by exigentskyMy advice:
Next weekend will be 2 tourneys for me and I'm not sure how to prepare. Should I play more games and do a few puzzles or perhaps just completely get my mind off chess so that I can play with renewed energy and enthusiasm?
1) Make sure you have a real good night sleep before the tournament go to bed early
2) Don't try to cram for a game like it's a test
3) Don't have a large or very large meal right before the Tournament like eat enough so you won't be hungry but don't stuff yourself silly so you feel like a bloated balloon.
3.) Avoid caffeine and sugar prior to the tournament; it can make you anxious
4.) Go to the bathroom and do whatever business you need to do before your game starts
5) Listen to classical music to get in the mood for Chess suggestions: green sleeves traditional, chopin minute waltz, Beethoven's moonlight sonata. claire de lune by Debussy, John Williams battle of the hero's.
6) Save your energy between rounds don't waste it playing bughouse.
20 Mar 07
Originally posted by AristolleThose are some good songs...
5) Listen to classical music to get in the mood for Chess suggestions: green sleeves traditional, chopin minute waltz, Beethoven's moonlight sonata. claire de lune by Debussy, John Williams battle of the hero's.
Anyway, my advise would be to watch a comedy or read some good jokes right before the game, something that would put you in a happy and playful frame of mind. Such a state of mind helps with creativity and insight. Past experiments have shown that people are a lot better at solving logical problems if they are in a happy mood then a serious mood.
20 Mar 07
1 edit
Originally posted by AristolleI agree with most of this.
My advice:
1) Make sure you have a real good night sleep before the tournament go to bed early
2) Don't try to cram for a game like it's a test
3) Don't have a large or very large meal right before the Tournament like eat enough so you won't be hungry but don't stuff yourself silly so you feel like a bloated balloon.
3.) Avoid caffeine and s e of the hero's.
6) Save your energy between rounds don't waste it playing bughouse.
Sleep is most important.
I play 1 or two quick games (G/15) to get my mental process (blunder checking, looking for tactics) ready before the first round. Other than that, I always always analyze the game with my opponent in the skittles room after as that is the best way to learn, but after that, I will: nap, shoot the breeze (BS), read or ride my bike in between rounds.
Edit: I prefer Celtic Rock or bluegrass, something catchy and upbeat to get my ready for the tournament. If I am simply calm, I don't fight for the full point, but if I get too aggressive, I don't blundercheck.
20 Mar 07
Originally posted by 93confirmedi always prepare my openings for game one...
This is good thread and something I've been wanting advice on as well. In terms of opening repetoire, what's the best way to prepare for openings as White and Black. In other words, should I go into the tourney knowing what I'm going to play. As White, do I say Ok I'm going to play e4 no matter what and then prepare for likely responses by Black and a ...[text shortened]... repetoire myself, it's hard to know what to prepare for. Any advice is much appreciated!
then, as i am playing game one and my opponent is thinking, i hop up and check out what openings my opponents are likely to favor...
see whether they do well in tactical or positional settings
then, in between games, I prepare for a game against any of the few players I decided i'd be most likely to play...
20 Mar 07
Originally posted by 93confirmedI suggest that you don't change your opening repertoire between games. If a bad game or two is going to make you dump an opening, the problem is probably inadequate preparation on your part.
This is good thread and something I've been wanting advice on as well. In terms of opening repetoire, what's the best way to prepare for openings as White and Black. In other words, should I go into the tourney knowing what I'm going to play. As White, do I say Ok I'm going to play e4 no matter what and then prepare for likely responses by Black and a ...[text shortened]... repetoire myself, it's hard to know what to prepare for. Any advice is much appreciated!
Switching to an opening you know just as well as your prepared repertoire for the tournament can certainly be played if you have a bad experience with your "primary" opening. Switching to an opening you know next to nothing about will seldom reap success.
20 Mar 07
1 edit
Thanks for all your advice! Keep it coming.
Based on what RahimK and gaychessplayer wrote, I've already worked a little over an hour on the Chess Tactics Server. I'm finding it surprisingly difficult. I just barely got to 1300 and I'm rated much higher on RHP and ICC. Maybe it doesn't really correspond.
I've also decided to stop playing blitz until after the tournament. Although, I still wonder if I should stop playing chess at all.
Also, I won't be able to prepare for my opponents because I know nothing in advance. However, I have reviewed my opening repertoire and I feel pretty confident about it.
21 Mar 07
Originally posted by gaychessplayerI hear that but what I'm trying to say is...what if my opening repeitore as White is the Kings Gambit and Siclian and let's say that I can play all of the variations in my sleep. So I get to the board play e4 and my opponents plays something like the Scandanvian, Caro-Kann, etc. and all of that prepatory work is for nothing and I'm completely caught off guard with some Black's position.
I suggest that you don't change your opening repertoire between games. If a bad game or two is going to make you dump an opening, the problem is probably inadequate preparation on your part.
Switching to an opening you know just as well as your prepared repertoire for the tournament can certainly be played if you have a bad experience with your "pri ...[text shortened]... y" opening. Switching to an opening you know next to nothing about will seldom reap success.
As I type this I'm realizing that I should just be prepared to play solid moves in the beginning of the game and avoid getting so caught up in opening theory.
21 Mar 07
A few useful tips were passed on to me recently:
1. Mistakes often come in pairs - so if you make a bad move be patient and your opponent may well return the favour.
2. Talk to your pieces.
3. If you're stuck and can't think of any good moves then have a look to see if you can improve your worst piece.
4. Play the board not the rating of your opponent (i.e. avoid making timid moves just because you're playing a higher rated opponent...prematurely playing h3 as you fear they might wish to play the knight to g4 is one I did last week)
21 Mar 07
Originally posted by exigentskyIt is tough. I have peaked at around 1550 there and have been hovering at 1520 for a week now. I've gotta break that 1600 barrier here!
Thanks for all your advice! Keep it coming.
Based on what RahimK and gaychessplayer wrote, I've already worked a little over an hour on the Chess Tactics Server. I'm finding it surprisingly difficult. I just barely got to 1300 and I'm rated much higher on RHP and ICC. Maybe it doesn't really correspond.
I've also decided to stop playing blitz until ...[text shortened]... ance. However, I have reviewed my opening repertoire and I feel pretty confident about it.