The ups and downs of chess

I've decided, chess is a funny game.

You know how some days, you have those great chess days? The ones where you see the board well, plan out and execute sharp attacks? Win a bunch of games? You know, the days that keep you playing this game. Well, I had one of those last week, and couldn't be happier with my choice of a hobby.

But then, I had one of those "bad" days. Those days where you miss the most obvious traps. Those days where you drop your queen like a moron. One of those days where your rating drops like a rock, and find yourself wondering if you would get fired for throwing your monitor out the office window.

So what to do? Well, I am trying to build in some routine to my examination of the board, a process if you will. Check all bishop and queen diagonals. Check to make sure that no knight forks are being missed. Try to see the board as your opponent does. Basically, try to build in some failsafes.

And of course, when its just not your day, and you aren't in the patient, analytical frame of mind that chess requires, just walk away from the board. It will be there tomorrow. And who knows, tomorrow might be one of the good days.