MARCH Member Mailbag Submissions: Bruce Pandolfini

Topic for the month: Losing

Post your questions here. 

I am 50. I have loved chess all my life. That doesnt mean I am very good. Maybe I am ~1600-1800 OTB. My goal is to get to >2000 OTB. I have broke down my efforts over the last year to two things. 1. Calculation 2. Analysis of my the games I have lost. Right now I use Lucas analysis to run through loses at 1 sec per move. Then I look at the bad moves or review the openings. Right now I make about 1 stinker per game (<-1.5 pawns) and 2 bad moves (-1 pawn). Other then that I get 80%+ computer moves.

What is the best way to analyze a game I lost?

How do you recommend recovering from a string of losses to regain your confidence?

How do recommend handling last round tournament games?

In all tournaments I have played I have never won a last round game. Thrice I was in contention for a prize and twice I was leading the tournament but somehow the nerves got me and I ended up losing one and drawing the other. How do you recommend handling situations like these?

I've heard often that it is best to separate one chess game from the other so that the trauma of a loss does not carry on and affect next round's play, but I find this hard to do. Do you have any tips?

How does one get consistency in their play ?

I have beaten a F.M once but at the same time I have lost to people with ratings much much lower than me. Both of these scnearios occured during classical slow chess.

 

I think I am terrible in chess but I love the game and want to study to learn how to play really well, what is the best study plan for me? How to study chess properly? I thank you kindly

I am 1200 and I really want to improve my chess. I have openings and ok tactics. What do you reccomend if I want to improve my chess?

When it comes to chess, a skill I honestly own (and hone) is losing. I understand it is considered good form and etiquette to resign a game I'm clearly losing, but I usually don't. I find I learn much more by slogging it through to the end. Should I be a better loser and just resign quietly?

Question 2 on a related note: Why do so many people automatically resign after bungling a move, such as losing the Queen? I, again, typically tough it out, if, for no other reason, to force myself to live with my mistake and make the best of it. Should beginners like me just be better losers and throw in the towel, or is there something to be gained by not being too eager to lose too quickly?

PS Thanks. I have always enjoyed your writings and teachings!