Ask a 1900 FIDE Rated Player, and Chess Coach

Serious questions please! I would like to help lower rated people to improve.

I am interested. I struggle with middle game and just not blundering advantage.

what do u use for an opening

Me?

ya

I play caro-Kann as black and italian/bishops opening/scotch gambit as white (they often transpose into one another)

how do you deal with nerves and pressure otb? as a serious chess play I have played many otb events but a cant cross 1510 elo. makes no sense because I'm 2200 online

my question is also kinda same, i don't have a fide rating yet. I'm 2100 rated online but i struggle to play classical otb but i tend to blunder 2hrs into the game. i also don't see tactics on board as i see online. any tips or suggestions

Ok

Yo the loss of tactic sight otb perfectly describes me

2100-2200 online but I feel like a much worse player otb

The middlegame is the hardest part of the game on our level. I suggest you to start by learning typical pawn structures and the plans associated with them, such as creating outposts, controlling open files, and exploiting weak squares. Try to understand how to place your pieces effectively in these kind of positions. Studying master games can help you see how these plans are executed in real games.

Blunder-checking is crucial. Always ask yourself, "What is my opponent threatening?" before making a move. Use the candidate moves method: consider 2-3 reasonable moves and calculate their outcomes carefully. Take your time to scan the board for tactics, both for and against you, to avoid throwing away an advantage. There's a nice book by Paata Gaprindashvili, "Imagination in Chess", I suggest you to check it out.

Some general piece of advice as well, when ahead, focus on simplifying the position. Trading pieces while keeping your opponent's king exposed or pawns weak reduces their counterplay and makes it easier to convert your advantage. Stay patient and prioritize improving your worst-placed piece instead of rushing for a win. Analyze your games afterward to identify where you went wrong and where you missed opportunities, focusing on understanding the ideas behind better moves. Consistent practice will help you steadily improve your play.

If this was a questions for me, I'd suggest watching videos and using opening databases. As for videos, I'd suggest the YouTube Chanel Hanging Pawns, while there's a nice opening databases in the application ChessBook

This message is addressed to all of you who asked about OTB. The question is quite interesting, as psychology is one of my weakest areas in chess. I will share my observations.

First of all, regarding nerves—it’s an extremely interesting question, but I would say that self-confidence and being a bit lazy is the key. Let me tell you a story. Not so long ago, I went to an OTB tournament full of masters. My Elo was around 1550. In every game, I was the underdog, and I had no pressure on me. I even went 5/5 and beat three 1900s, a CM, and an IM. I focused solely on the games and not on who my opponents were.

A few months later, with a higher rating, I played in an event of similar quality. Now, being one of the favorites, I tried to force wins in positions where nothing was left to play for. At one point, I even declined a draw offer in a losing position. It was a painful tournament, and I lost 80 Elo. Do you see the point? Being a bit "lazy" and not overthinking can lead to excellent results.

Now, about classical OTB, the question is more complex. I will share my routine for the game and the preparation period before it, but keep in mind that this can vary for everyone.

Before an OTB classical game, I briefly look at who my opponents might be and prepare a small surprise. Two or three days before the tournament, I completely step away from chess and do things I enjoy, like climbing or riding my bike. On the day of the tournament, I suggest walking or biking to the venue, as it will make you feel better.

If possible, solve 2–3 tactics on a real chessboard before the game. Before starting, I always meditate to clear my mind of unnecessary thoughts. Make sure you have enough water with you—it sounds silly, but dehydration can weaken your play. I drink around 1–2 liters of water during a game, but this may vary for others. Just ensure you don’t get thirsty.

If it’s a longer game, take a snack with you, and when you feel tired, get up from the table, step away, and eat it. If your blood sugar level drops, your ability to focus will decrease. I also suggest going to the restroom when your opponent takes a longer think—not to cheat, of course, but to wash your face and refresh yourself.

I hope I answered everything. If not, please feel free to ask!

Guys... You should stop thinking about openings. Buy book of Alexander Kotov - Think, and Play like Grandmaster. Read it, and improve your chess imadietly. Your welcome!

Thanks bro👍

you just probably get tired, drink plenty of water, and perhaps put glucose in the water, so that you can stay energised and sharp

I have messaphinia otb is really hard for me

What’s your idea for a training plan

try some gum