Hi guys,

Tomorrow I'm attending a QUAD tournament at one of our local chess clubs.  I made sure that I met all the requirements: USCF registrated, willing to pay entry fee.  But I'm more concerned about how I should prepare for the games ahead - by the way, it starts in 12 hours so fast replies are appreciated!

Right now I'm reviewing a book on tactics I have and - unfortunately I do not own a book based around openings - briefly looking at the mainlines in openings I commonly see come up.  That doesn't mean I think only the openings I study will come up, I'm just trying to be as prepared as possible without going braindead from the overflow of knowledge trying to wedge itself into my head.

Anything else you guys would reccomend?

Thanks,

photray94

P.S. Please avoid the "Don't do blah blah before your tournament," I just need to know the "Do this before your tournament," comments.

practice practice practice, also eat a good breakfast nothing real heavy somthing like cereal and don't eat anything heavy before you go it will probaly tire you out. and take some orange juice or somthing of that nature with you the sugers in it will actually help you to think better.

Tactics training is probably best

Have fun. Really, just enjoy it. Geez, it's really hard to avoid putting don'ts in here. Just keep calm, make sure to keep an eye on that clock and take your time. Follow the tournament rules.. Make sure the board is set up right! I'm serious on that one, there was one time my opponent set his board up the wrong way and we didn't notice it until a few moves into the game. We had to keep playing and it whas a huge pain to write the moves down! Also make sure to write your moves! Everyone does this and they should have sheets to write on at your tournament, you'll want to go over your games later. Bring a pen for this. Make sure your cell phone is off!  I hope this helps, good luck :]

Thanks everyone for the wonderful comments, I really appreciate how quickly y'all responded.

I'll be posting on this thread again when the tournament is over with my results.

A few thoughts:

• Get a good night's sleep.
• Eat a balanced breakfast--cereal/grains + fruit + protein.
• Get a head start packing your chess bag and printing out directions so you can leave early and in a stress-free mood.
• Bring water and snacks for in-between games (almonds, trail mix, etc).
• Figure out how to use and stop the chess clocks before games.
• Before each move, LOOK & THINK! Do not make moves on auto-pilot. This is not blitz. This is a rated tournament and each move counts.
• I do 3-5 minutes of tactical study before my first game to warm up.
• I don't study between rounds--I try to calm my thoughts.
  

Good luck.  As a person who has never attended a tournament before, I should probably follow your example, register for the USCF, and attend a tournament.

Unbeliever - It can be alot of fun. Definitely worth trying at least once. :)

Too late now to worry about cramming your head with more chess info. More important is your physiology. Make sure you get plenty of sleep, and eat good food, but nothing too heavy. One thing that really clears up my thinking and helps with overall energy is making a smoothie. Seriously, i make smoothies with 16oz Orange Juice, then I toss in frozen fruit. I personally like the following mixture.

16 oz OJ

1 cup frozen peaches

1 cup frozen mixed berries (usually comes raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries)

1/2 cup frozen pineapple

Blend until smooth. Awesome! I'll be using it myself in the 2009 US Open in Indy

Get all your spadework done well before the tournament

Be well rested

Take something to eat with you, like a banana or a bagel

Try to relax and work cooly and efficiently

Hi,

All those tips above was good. But remember in play, concentrate, think all you moves, why this move happens? Move 2 max. 3 pawn and then minor piece Nights before Bishops if possible. Control center d4,d5,e4,e5 (c4,c5) first by pawns and then by minor pieces. Enjoy all the time, dont worry about time, if its draw to a close, then it happens. Most important that you have good touch to the game and enjoy it. That is the better way to improve you tournament skill.

I mean that you have to concetrate on possibilities and do not worry about the losses and how you could have prevented the loss of a piece.

Hello all!

I'm back from the tournament, it was a great experience.  I ended up getting in a group with 2 players 300-600 points above and my provisional rating, and a player equal to my provisional rating.

Against the 2 stronger players, I played very well.  Thought I lost against both of them, I was always threatening to mate them - their defenses were to me infallible.  If I get I chance I'll post some PGNs.  Also, I won against the player of equal abilities, meaning I placed 3rd in the tournament!  I'm so happy I won at least one game.

I would reccomend to all that haven't gone to a tournament to attend one!

You got a win so definitely call your first tournament a success! If you keep at it you will learn a lot fast. That's a fun stage. Enjoy.

Congratulations and welcome to the ranks of OTB chess players !

Now you know real chess !

Congratulations for your first tournament, well done!

Well done photray94,you can't beat experience!

I am at a tournie right now.

One thing you must do is just sleep and eat plenty...

There s not much you can change about your chess in a few days or minutes before a game.

Have an abundance of energy.. I played 3 3hour games yesterday and almost fell asleep at the board.

In the morning get up, have some breakfast do a bit of light tactics but no major learning.

Trying to squish a load of openings into your head before a game is not a good idea at all.

Enjoy the experience, meet new people - it is not about winning or losing.

Excellent result. Plus all the tips given are sound advice.

I remember my first tournament where I scored a massive 2/7 and was hooked, I wanted to do better.

In future, add some prep in the weeks leading up to the event, brush up on the openings you want to play, etc, do some tactical work/studies, and surprisingly review some common endgames. It is amazing how many points are won and lost through endgame knowledge at OTB tournaments.

I also advocate the fruit juice and light snacks during the competition, my choice is apple juice and bananas.