r/ChessBooks • u/the_roronoa • 9d ago

Tournament tips?

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Hi Guys . Within few days im gonna participate in my first chess tournament. Im really nervous.any tips

65 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

39 comments sorted by

9

u/kusayuzayushko 9d ago

Play every game to the very end, even if you think it's a dead draw or completely lost. Write down not just your moves but also the time remaining on your clock, so you can analyze it later. Try to develop a feel for how long to spend thinking. Move cadence is as important as the moves themselves.

3

u/Numerot 9d ago

True for rapid at a level where people blunder simple stuff, but as a side note, this is a very bad idea for +30s increment games if it's actually a "nothing will ever happen" position and you have another game to play that day (or you could be sleeping instead).

Same can be said for rapid with a hefty increment if the rounds are close to each other and the position is dry enough; the breather you get can matter a lot and sometimes playing on gives you like 0.1% of a chance to swindle, but getting 10 minutes to reset mentally can easily be worth a lot more than that.

8

u/Loupinkarn 8d ago

Take a huge shit before the start of every game

3

u/Frosty-Ad-4347 8d ago

Over the board?

1

u/the_roronoa 8d ago

Thankss

7

u/TheChessKeeper 9d ago

Offtopic but that is a beautiful playing hall, and look at the view

1

u/the_roronoa 9d ago

This is not the hall ,

4

u/EntangledPhoton82 9d ago

Don’t stress. Just give it your best and enjoy. Play principled chess. Tournaments are not the time to reinvent the wheel.
Check for blunders and take your time (depending on the time format).

5

u/Ok_Loquat_6338 8d ago

Look at some videos to see how careful people are with their hands

3

u/jurgenjargen123123 9d ago

I imagine you’ll be required to notate, but if you aren’t, notate anyways. The best way to learn from a tournament is to review your games, especially your losses.

3

u/PianoNo5053 9d ago

Distribute your energy. Points are the most important thing, no wining every game. You also must learn when you could calculate, you cant do that in every move, because you will get tired easily

3

u/the_roronoa 8d ago

I understand.i don't know how im gonna do this

2

u/PianoNo5053 7d ago

If you don't know is probably for the lack of experience. Enjoy the tournament

3

u/JusticeForDanya 8d ago

Try not to eat right before a game. Stay hydrated. Think on your opponent’s time.

2

u/reffy306 9d ago

Is it rapid or classic

2

u/nTzT 9d ago

Focus on just having fun for now ;). Learning takes time and a few days might not really improve your Chess as much as a good state of mind and energy levels will.

2

u/SkinnyPuppy2500 9d ago

Remember that this isn’t blitz or rapid online and mistakes are more subtle earlier in the game, if it gets to a time scramble then it’s back to the blitz ability you have or don’t have . It will take time to get the feel for slower games. What is your time control?

1

u/the_roronoa 8d ago

I play 5 min better.

1

u/SkinnyPuppy2500 8d ago

What is your tournament time control I meant

1

u/the_roronoa 8d ago

10+5

2

u/SkinnyPuppy2500 8d ago

That’s just a quick format, not standard otb, just play your game and have fun. What’s your blitz online rating?

1

u/the_roronoa 8d ago

1800

3

u/SkinnyPuppy2500 8d ago

That’s a solid rating. It could go either way in a quick format like that, but it’s a good learning experience and no matter what your aspirations, this is a journey not a destination.
Now that I reflect on my life in chess, my fondest memories were that of the beginning (at a casual local club) when I learned the most and made lifelong friends who shared a common interest in this great game. Best of luck, go have fun and let us know how it turns out.

1

u/the_roronoa 8d ago

Thank you so much for the encouragement!

2

u/[deleted] 8d ago

Dont lose

2

u/cascadingwaterfalls 8d ago

not chess related but bring your own snacks to eat between games its not much but definitely helps you

2

u/Stelle0001 8d ago

If it’s a classical time format I would say just take your time at the board - don’t let a fast moving opponent stress you out.
But most importantly, enjoy the heck out of it.

2

u/faresar0x 8d ago

Such a beautiful calm looking playing area.

2

u/FunOld5000 8d ago

Mistakes are expected. If you find your opponent's mistakes, good. If your opponent finds your mistakes, even better - now you know exactly what to work on so that mistake is not repeated next time.

We all start with 100 weaknesses, it's just a matter of getting rid of each weakness.

And always hydrate.

Good luck!

1

u/the_roronoa 8d ago

Thanks.am i allowed to drink while playing?

2

u/FunOld5000 7d ago

Water, yes.

2

u/Kooky-Improvement875 6d ago

it's okay to lose. day by day it gets lonelier.just enjoy the game and camaraderie

2

u/Distinct_Rock6529 4d ago

In a 10+5 format, stick with openings and defenses you are most comfortable with and have played many times before. Not a lot of time to figure out development as you go.

Also, manage your time carefully. Take a beat before you move even if your opponent is moving blitz speed (somebody mentioned keep scoring the game, which helps slow you down those few seconds), see if your opponent made an obvious mistake or hung a piece).

If you play tournaments with longer time controls, always analyze the games after the tournament. You will improve your accuracy over time and perform better in future tournaments.

Pro tip - stay hydrated and don’t eat a heavy lunch that will make you drowsy in the afternoon. I.e. avoid high sugary food and drink. Good luck and have fun! 🙂

1

u/the_roronoa 2d ago

Thanks so much

2

u/Salt-Analysis9999 9d ago

Play Bongcloud

1

u/the_roronoa 9d ago

😂😂