Hi everybody!! Just wanted to say that I've got my biggest tournament on Sunday! If you have any tips just post!!

KIESH2

don't rush.....(like I did on my last tournament and got 2nd place, I could have gotten 1st place)....

I'm not sure how experienced you are in tournametns but here are a few tips :)

- Book Up: It's nice to know the openings you plan on playing so that you won't be wasting time on your clock choosing.  A good opening repertoire is often one that leaves your opponent playing something they dont' neccesarily want to.

- Know the Tournament: Some tournaments supply everything from the sets to the drinks.  Others require you bring your own.  If in doubt, bring it.  Make sure you stay well hydrated during the games.

- Take a Break: If you are feeling a lot of pressure and don't seem to be analyzing everything correctly, take a breather.  Go walk around until you can compose yourself and go back and find your move.

- Use the Skittles Room: Most decent tournaments will supply a room for players who have finished their games to go and analyze them.  If you are a newer player the odds are you will end up facing someone much stronger than you have ever played before in your life.  They will crush you.  Learn from it!  Ask them where you went wrong.  Ask questions!  Most players who have just smashed you into a bloody pulp are in a pretty good mood.  Now is the time to ask them for some help (you gain ELO just being in the same room as these people).

Hope some of these help!

-matt

Thanks for the tips guys! I've been playing in tourney's since November.

I've come first mostly and second.

KIESH2

Being comfortableis the key, wear your most comfortable pants maybe track suits, or even shorts if it's warm enough. you don't want to be wearing Jeans or anything that might be tight it will put you right off. Also you need a decent drink; nothing {alcoholic}. Tea, Coffee, fruit juice, water, these are all fine. I don't really advise you to drink pop at the tournament but it's up to you.

Maybe get an MP3 player so you can listen to your own music, not sure if it's allowed though.

Hmmm, good idea's! Thanks! Keep them coming please!
KIESH2

Anyone?

KIESH2

Have a good sleep before you go.

I'll definetly do that!

KIESH2

Yes. That is true. Whenever I go in a tournament I always stay there hours after I have finished my game. You can learn many things by watching people analyzing their games and by having a conversation with them.

Watch other peoples games in case you get them in the next round !

Sure! Thanks everyone!!!

KIESH2

have fun and never forget its a game that is meant to be enjoyed

In a tournament no walkman are allowed, as far as I know... The best advice is to practice pratice practice! It is a different game if you play online compared with a real human in front of you. You will make new friends (or is the tourny already finished?), keep in touch with the highest ranked, they will become your teachers! Good luck and have fun!