My First FIDE Rapid Tournament: A Journey from Casual Chess to Competitive Play

Chess has been a part of my life since I was 14 when I first fell in love with the intricate dance of the pieces on the checkered board. Over the years, I've played countless casual and online games, honing my skills and developing a deep passion for the game. However, there comes a time when every chess enthusiast must decide whether to remain a casual player or take their dedication to the next level. I chose the latter and embarked on an exhilarating journey toward playing my first FIDE Rapid tournament. This blog recounts my experiences at the Jurong Spring FIDE Tournament, a significant milestone in my chess journey, where I was seeded last among 48 players due to my lack of an official FIDE rating. With a time control of 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment per move, the tournament would test my abilities and resilience.

With hectic work schedules, I couldn't prepare much for my first FIDE Rapid Tournament. The night before, I reviewed troublesome openings to strengthen my game. Despite the limited preparation, I was eager to embrace the challenge and test my skills in a competitive setting.

Round One - A Tough Start:

My first round I was playing Black and my opponent played really well to cause me troubles throughout the game and eventually won.

Round Two - A Comeback from Bad Position:

Round Three - Trapping the Rook:

Round Four - Mind your Weaknesses:

Round Five - A Terrible Blunder:

Round Six - A Battle with a Young Prodigy:

This was one of my most challenging rounds, as I was playing against this super-strong young kid. My strategy in the game was to play as much positional chess as I knew he would be very strong tactically.

I was low on time, so I didn't note the other set of moves. But we played around 10-20 moves more and reached the position below.

Final Round - Super Solid Defense:

I was at 4/6 and knew I had to win this round to qualify for any prizes. So with a lot at stake, I knew I had to play solid and convert my small advantages.

Chess Results Link: https://chess-results.com/tnr792091.aspx?lan=1&art=0&fed=IND&turdet=YES

I finally scored 5/7 points and stood 8th among 48 players. I also won a cash prize of 50 SGD. Participating in my first FIDE Rapid Tournament was an unforgettable experience. It marked a significant step in my chess journey, transforming me from a casual player to a more serious and competitive one. The event exposed me to a diverse range of opponents, challenged my skills, and provided a realistic assessment of my current abilities. While my performance may not have been perfect, I returned home with invaluable insights and a desire to continue growing as a chess player. I look forward to embracing more opportunities like this to further enrich my love for this royal game.