drink water
First regular rated OTB tournament in September.
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Aug 13, 2023
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#3
You have PLENTY of clock, so take your time. Don't rush. Try to stay as relaxed as you can, even though many 1st timers feel some pressure. But it is the same game you've been playing and playing and playing. Only these games are in a tournament. Just play YOUR game, focus on that.
Aug 13, 2023
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#4
You ARE going to be extremely nervous in your first tournament. So make sure you drink a bunch of water and don't eat or drink anything that would make you more hyperactive before the tournament such as energy drinks or soda. I would suggest eating nuts and stuff like that. In between games I would try to take your mind off things. I'm not sure how long the time is between matches but I would go to a nearby restaurant of go on my phone to take my nervousness away. Also do not feel bad if your first tournament didn't go the way you wanted it to. Everybody can succumb to the pressure trust me my first USCF rating was 854 which is terrible.
Aug 13, 2023
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#5
slow down the opening even if you know theory because it generally causes me to move too quickly in the middlegame if I blitz the opening.
I’m much better online than I am otb because I’ve never really practiced. you should def practice putting playing long rapid over the board that way you get used to both mediums
Theeldest1 I am to iwill take your advice Weeberstwitch
Aug 15, 2023
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#8
OLD_PPG wrote:
Last quick note, don't be afraid to get up from the board and walk around / stretch, it will probably help you stay looser and more relaxed
In that regard it also makes you look at the board with fresh eyes and re-familiarize yourself with the position which has sometimes been helpful to me.
Aug 15, 2023
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#9
Also I would like to add something to my last post USE YOUR DAMN TIME!!!!! You have a bunch of it SO USE IT!! Use AT LEAST 30 seconds a move even if the move seems obvious there is NO SHAME in looking over the board for a bit just to make sure there is nothing going on. Trust me I've lost games exactly like that
Fax, but don’t think for a time where you get confused about your own good move.
Aug 19, 2023
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#12
Just prepare for the event, but don't get too nervous before it and take it easy. You'll play your best like that. As others said, take your time because 60 min + 30 sec is plenty. Those games can easily last a couple of hours, so make sure to have a drink with you at the board. And that's about it- so best of luck!
I'm playing in my first regular OTB tournament in September with a time control of 60/+30s. Any tips for playing well and staying focused that you'd like to share?