Entering Over the Board tournaments as a beginner.

When I started playing chess, I was given the opportunity to play in my first competitive chess tournament. Let me tell you what it was like and things you might want to look out for if you decide to play in a tournament. 

In parts of the world where chess is very popular for example, Europe, most chess tournaments will be at a specific venue and filled with other aspiring chess players, which can feel crowded. 

When entering the playing hall it is very easy to feel anxious or worried, but remembering that your opponents are also anxious about how they'll play is a quick way to relax your nerves. 

Doing puzzles on a physical board helped me warm up before matches, allowing me to keep up with the 1300s to 1500s, which back then, I saw as masters of chess.

A common tactic from mainly younger players was to ask for a draw in losing positions. If you are starting your career in chess, especially Over-the-board chess, please analyze the position carefully before accepting any draws.