How to lose 63,800 euros in 12 seconds?
The end of a tournament is always the most crucial moment for any chess players, especially if you are one of the leaders! Therefore, in that moment one of the most important things it's psychology. Young 17-years old Firouzja Alireza was very nervous in the endgame, because he had 22 seconds left in this position:
White to move here, and they had pretty simple plan how to make a draw. Opposition it's all what we need to know here. After 7 moves White had 12 seconds on clock in position bellow:
So, White to move. What is the best move here? Right, 69. Kd2 only, with distant opposition and draw, but young talent was too nervous and made huge blunder- 69. Kc3?? and after 70. Kc5 resigned! After this mistake Alireza lost his chances for first place(63800 euro)!
I sent this position to all my students for understanding why we must to learn basic endgames, why we need to practice pawn endings! Actually I am sure that Alireza knew that simple idea, but his psychology was weak that moment. Sometimes your mental health, psychology and mood are much more essential that your skills! So there are some advices for beginners and their parents:
- make sure that your kid had good sleep before the game;
- make sure that your kid is not hangry;
- try to create for him good mood before the game;
- don't put pressure on your kids;
- don't play when you sick;
- think positively;
- be sure in yourself;
- never give up;
- concentration on your game.
I know how is painful when you lost the game, but each player must be ready for that, because you can't winning every time. Each losing it's one step forward! In my childhood my Mother told me after loosing: " Don't be upset, you didn't lose a cow" , I am just interesting how many cows possible to buy for 63 800 euros?
