The dark side of otb chess

Anyone who has played an over-the-board chess tournament, knows its an experience like no other, it cannot be compared to online chess since it's so different! Just listen to a few regular tournament players on their thoughts about OTB chess! 

"I prefer to be at the actual board, in person, and to see my opponent to move actual pieces, write them down, etc. Really, the whole process is what I prefer." 
- Isaac Snow (2104 USCF - @Lightning)

"I like OTB chess because it's real chess and you get to meet people and socialize and OTB chess means something because it's not a videogame and hard work means something" 
- NM Ike Miller (2295 USCF - @Kylearan) 

"OTB allows players to interact with different people and have a real sense of the atmosphere of competitive chess. It's a completely different experience from online chess simply because of the in-person aspect."
- IM Ben Li (2361 FIDE - @1e4I-0)

In this blog we'll be answering what exactly the dark side of OTB chess is, does COVID-19 affect your chess skills, and should you be playing OTB chess right now?

The Dark Side:

If you've never played an OTB tournament, then you're missing out! Or are you? In this new year, maybe it's not the best idea to play an OTB tournament. Why? It's the same reason that has been delaying over-the-board tournaments the past two years... COVID-19.