Well it has rather crept up on me

But at the start of October I am going to a tournament!

6 rounds -

But what should I do!?

Any tips related to preperation or just handy things to keep in mind?

1. Sleep well before-hand.

2. Partake vigorously in the post mortems, especially the one's you lose.

3. Essential you keep an accurate score of all your games.

4. Know the rules... read what the arbiters have to say on local interpretations of the rules, especially blitz finishes.

5. Take your time over moves, practice your calculation skills.

6. Relax, enjoy yourself and don't worry.

Good luck Alf.

Get lots of sleep, don't stress over it, and have fun.  Whats the time controls?  How many days it?

Time controls: Games are 1 hour 30 mins long.

Round 1 on Friday.

Rounds 2-6 on Saturday and Sunday.

90 minute tounaments that sounds a'ight.  Good luck.  Study,rest,and be yourself.

wishing you all the best Aoife,

          good luck!!

Make sure that you have your clock set correctly, and that you know how to stop it in the event you need to summon the tournament director. Switch your cell phone off (or don't bring it at all). Make sure you eat a little while beforehand, but not anything too heavy. Scope out the venue ahead of time to make sure you know where the bathrooms are. Bring a sweater or sweatshirt in case the room is too cold. Some players find that earplugs help their concentration; if you want to try this, make sure you get used to having them in your ears so the new sensation is not a distraction.

Don't blitz out your moves. Don't be intimidated by your opponent's rating. Don't feel too secure if you're playing a lower-rated player. And don't forget to hit your clock. Hit it twice just to be sure.

Most of all, enjoy yourself. This is what chess is all about.

Make sure you have a plan while playing.  Sometimes I fall into the trap of playing moves without a specific plan in mind.  It doesn't help.

Get some rest before the match, relax, and have fun - that's what it's all about.

You've got the whole CoT behind you, Aoife - we're all rooting for you!

Take a bottle of water for those dry mouth moments, DON'T FORGET TO HIT THE CLOCK, a couple of valum always help (joke). most importantly, enjoy!!

And be quiet when there are still other people playing in the room after you've finished ;)

I know I'm a little late, but it's something that should be borne in mind nonetheless...

 A tad bit late

A tad bit obvious like... I dunno... finding the oldest on the highest page number allowed?

What, going to give out to me in Galway this year too Fintan? Let's just make it tradition.

Well if you're going to be talking in the room while the game on board 1 in the masters section is still being played, then yes :P

This year you should go further: drunk and falling over in the Masters' Section would be fun. Mark yourself out for the top.