Greetings, chess fanatics!

 A friend of mine, someone who doesn't have a chess.com account and isn't me, often boasts that he or she is "the greatest chess player in the history of the game" and/or "the chess equivalent of Joe Louis in his prime."  Yet, despite these fanciful claims, my friend seems to have fallen into a bit of a slump lately, losing games even to very low-rated players, and his or her rating is really starting to take a nose dive.  Since claiming to be the very best at something when you are NOT, in fact, the best causes one to run the risk of "getting served," I and many others are deeply concerned for my friend, whom we'll call "Gabba."  What "Gabba" was wanting to know is, what is the best way to get out of a slump?  Does the "Tactics Trainer" sound like a way out?  Should my friend just play the computer until he or she steps his or her game up?

 Anyone else ever get into a rut like this care to share how they got out?  

I'm always bouncing in and out of what I like to call slumps but what are actually drops from 'poor' to 'worse'. 

 

The best way to get out of these so called 'slumps' varies.  Sometimes taking a break is the way to go, sometimes training tactics.  Personally, I prefer playing a few blitz games where I throw caution to the wind; it helps me put everything into perspective.

 

Best wishes to 'Gabba',

-matt 

Tell your friend to assume every opponent is the best and play them as such. One who assumes they are the best can get a little sloppy from over-confidence.

There's always the army,,,

I'm currently in a bit of a slump with 5 straight losses, but I think i'm on course to come out of it with what will be my highest rated win too.  That's just the way it goes, and I don't think you can do much except keep playing.

'Gabba' could try performance enhancing drugs...

yabbadabbadoostein wrote:

Greetings, chess fanatics!

 A friend of mine, someone who doesn't have a chess.com account and isn't me, often boasts that he or she is "the greatest chess player in the history of the game" and/or "the chess equivalent of Joe Louis in his prime."  Yet, despite these fanciful claims, my friend seems to have fallen into a bit of a slump lately, losing games even to very low-rated players, and his or her rating is really starting to take a nose dive.  Since claiming to be the very best at something when you are NOT, in fact, the best causes one to run the risk of "getting served," I and many others are deeply concerned for my friend, whom we'll call "Gabba."  What "Gabba" was wanting to know is, what is the best way to get out of a slump?  Does the "Tactics Trainer" sound like a way out?  Should my friend just play the computer until he or she steps his or her game up?

 Anyone else ever get into a rut like this care to share how they got out?  

---

 Well "Gabba" now knows that even the "best" player isnt untouchable :),

So can be more humble now... lol but seriously, The best way out of a slump is to find inspiration.. 

1.Look at some games of your favourate player/s

2. Watch some video coverage of top tournaments

3.Take a break from actually playing games and see how long you can last,

Eventually the hunger returns and with it your form

 

P.S DO NOT play against the computer to "get out" of a slump..most people are in slumps for psychological reasons and losing to a computer only makes this worse. 

lanceuppercut_239 wrote: 'Gabba' could try performance enhancing drugs...

---

 Adderall

Firstly, your friend is a "he" as I got into an extended conversation with a woman as to whether or not there was the female equivalent of a dick-head, (ie one who brags about his marksmanship while shooting himself in the foot), and we came to the mutual conclusion that they were virtually nonexistent.

Secondly, tell him to start with honestly and take baby steps.

I realize I might sound snotty, but he put himself in an environment where losing is a "growth experience" for him.  That phrase is coming from someone who despises leftover 1970's human potential scams and can be long winded on the subject, however, I believe it applies here.

Gabba!! what a funny name xD

burn one if that dosen't work burn another

Hi Yabbad,

 I am a member of yabbad fan club.

I hope you are referring to getting out of slump from "quick" or "blitz" games because I know you are always playing there. I will be indirect with a few suggestions on how to increase your rating points by winning some games.

Please try if these will work for you because these indeed worked for me.

 1) Be selective on the ratings of opponents on rated games. Play those in your ratings bracket only  up to 100 points higher. You are very popular at live chess and possibly many highly rated players will play against you and it is very difficult to beat these "masters".

2) Try not to play against those with exactly 1200 ratings (this is the initial rating and even the strong ones start with this rating..and you know what will happen.. you may lose against a 1200 and this will ate up your rating points.)  Playing against 1201 rating is better.  Note the "1201".

2) Do not 'chat' while  playing. Concentrate.

3) Practice with highly-rated players by challenging them to  play "unrated" games with you. Certainly, they will help the "superstar" improve his game.

4)  Read a few books like "My System" and "Praxis of My System" by Nimzovich.

I have  a very good coach and these are just few of the tidbits I learned from him. 

Thank you,

Maria 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

take up golf?

marry female impesonators?

watch playboy tv?  no forget that one makes your hand shaky an you drop the chess pieces/\/@@\/\

its like the yips in golf mate buy a big putter and beat all your opponents into submition