Pressure Makes Diamonds... Usually
Hey everyone,
Normally I try to put as much effort as possible into the good annotations in these blogs and less on the actual word side of things. But after this tournament Im not really sure I feel like annotating my games, there is definitely a mental block going on. Even though my future opponents at State will read this, I still will yap anyways.
After winning the K-12 State Championship I was on the biggest high of my life, on a streak of wins and tournaments and I felt unstoppable. But in the year since then, a large part of me has been wondering if I just got lucky, getting to 2000 has felt like hitting my head against a brick wall, not due to anything other than me constantly blundering simple things or just going too fast, stuff I need to work on besides my chess. I think ive been under a sort of unwarranted pressure, a need to somehow top that victory and prove I earned it, not that it was a one time fluke. Certainly I will add that It was aided by the momentum of recent successes, and no actual thought in my mind that I would win. But alas, with the clock ticking it now is on me to find that again, or ill just do what Im good at... surprising the competition
So without further ado this is my Mn Open "recap" filled with the usual blunders. I went in as the #1 Rated person, add to the pressure lmao.
Round 1: A Confusing Start
Certainly a start to a tournament when your opponent goes 1. a3... we transposed into this one line of the trompowsky where they go for a stonewall setup, but his knight was misplaced on c3. I rushed with my f4 pawn sac after a miscalculation but thats par for the course. But once my opponent blundered a piece in time trouble it became a nice cruise, 1/1
Round 2: Bro what am I doing
While it gave me some console to learn that he was close to 2400 strength online, it still sucks losing to a 1700. Especially when I had an amazing position, won a pawn very early and I just rushed with my plan, again just a stupid fcking blunder made way too quick. Anyways, he played very strong and earned 2nd place in the event. 1/2 But at this point I still had 4 rounds left to bounce back, and they would be against easier opponents as well.
Round 3: Comeback time
A nice win always feels good, still was a bit stinging over that loss but finally after playing 3 games back to back, I was given the chance to rest for 4 hours. So, I went back to the hotel room that me and my friend were staying at and after getting groceries and culvers with him I watched family guy and did absolutely 0 chess work, this is how professionals do it. 2/3
Round 4: Locked in
Not too much to comment besides there is merit to simply resting between rounds and not worrying much or prepping. I got a good tarrash and played some dubious moves that gave him hard decisions. I managed to end the day with 3/4 and a serious chance of winning or at least placing if I locked in during day 2. Just as easy as that. Just gotta win once, super duper easy, no way I could
Round 5: I messed it up pt. 1
Just that easy, one pawn push and now ive lost the chance for the 2nd place prize, a qualification for the closed state championship, and even more rating. This game sure is cruel, and this is a good reminder for me to work on my endgames a lot more. 3.5/5
Round 6: I messed it up pt. 2
So much and nothing to say at the same time. I guess ill simply share a short story, previous to this game (during the rest period) we actually were playing a casual blitz match against eachother. And when I was testing her openings and feeling out her knowledge I noticed she avoided the critical lines in the english. In short, I figured she would expect d4 from me so I after I surprised her and got an amazing position, I naturally proceeded to absolutely fumble it, I had no idea what I was doing and how to push forward, neither did she but I guess thats why It was a draw. Ggs.
In conclusion
Firstly, id like to say this is a bit exaggerated, but the doubts are real, even if not all of my mopey commentary is lol. I wont reveal my plans before K-12 state, but likely ill be taking a break from playing beforehand.
Sorry for the lack or lessened annotations, im lazy and to be honest I have no idea why I played half of the moves I did, take care, and good luck with all of your chess goals.
