A letter to myself about a bad tournament.
Dear Anna,
That was a really rough tournament today. And mostly, it was your own fault. You got too upset about some stupid things, and let it royally interefere with your play.
Here are some notes about avoiding this kind of problem in the future.
- Don't worry about anything but the games. A different tournament format and having to play a different section is just one of those things you need to deal with and not let rattle you.
- Don't worry about anything but the games. The TD's choices about how to run an event may be a little frustrating to deal with (you re-paired the section after play had begun to accomodate a late entry and now we all have to start over??), but it doesn't matter.
- Play the board, not the player. It doesn't matter who is making the moves, how old they are, how low or high rated, how pleasant or unpleasant they are to deal with. Just play the board.
- Quit getting so pissed off about getting byes. They happen. As our fearless leader Danny would say, suck it up, buttercup. Use the time for something useful, like going over earlier matches or studying tactics, or watching a game between the titled players.
Next time you start getting so rattled, walk away, breathe, meditate for a couple of minutes, go out doors and stare at a bug. Just don't get hung up on the bad mood and and up blowing the tournament.
And keep your chin up. The next event will be better.
All my love,
Anna
