To not be anxious, keep an open mind when you go into the tournament and do not sweat the time.
How can I not get anxious about playing a chess game?
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To not be anxious, keep an open mind when you go into the tournament and do not sweat the time.
Understand that you cannot get better unless you lose games, whether online or OTB. Once you accept the losses as a learning tool to get better, your anxiety should dissipate. Discuss your games with your opponent, especially if they are higher rated – learn what they were thinking to understand your mistakes.
Watch any of the top players in tournaments OTB, many times they will discuss the game in depth. Understand that you are going to lose games, just like the best players in the world. One of the hardest things in chess is to forgive yourself for your mistakes…chess is very hard, and even the best players still make mistakes...in every game! Learn from your losses and try not to make the same mistakes repeatedly, eventually your anxiety will blossom into confidence.