The Pressure of Being Higher Rated
Here is a game from the 4NCL, WIM Winkelmann - GM King with full annotations and commentary:
In this game we saw a dramatic rating difference between the two players. It was white at the disadvantage and black as the much higher rated player with the burden to get something done with the black pieces. In this case white just played very logically and solidly throughout the game while black may have over pressed a bit at times throughout to try to win the game being themuch higher rated player. In the end this proved to be the down fall for the higher rated player.
In your games you should not focus on the rating difference between yourself and the opponent. You should always try to treat each game equally and play your best against all opponents no matter what the rating is. If you can do this then you will be sure to maximize your potential and your results.
