Tournament prep partner
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I need someone who I can play with to help me prepare for a tournament in 2 weeks. I’m a 1030 online and a 1600 over the board. It would be 30-90 minutes game. Around 14-1700 elo is preferred but 1200 and up is what I’m looking for. If anyone is interested please send me a message!
Jul 10, 2023
0
#2
Are you 1600 USCF or FIDE?
If you are looking for on-line play, you want 1800+ rapid (online is about 200 pts higher than OTB ratings)
With <2 weeks, work on fundamentals, add nothing new. If you are serious, then stop bullet and blitz play completely. Focus on puzzles and puzzle rush. Review your pre-move checklist.
Determine what you will play as White, e4 or d4, select one only, not both.
Determine your responses as Black to e4, d4 & c4.
Based upon your choices above, using a real board and an "opening book", play thru the various lines asking "why" as each piece is developed. This will help you improve your "opening fundamentals". Do not attempt to memorize the move sequences as you won't remember them.
Download a few games based upon your decisions above, play thru them OTB, and analyze them as if you had played them to gain a better understanding of play post opening. Working with a board will help you transition from 2d screen to 3d board, improve board vision.
Review basic endgame techniques on how to queen a pawn.
Remember to eat healthy, hydrate often, sleep well and some physical exercise.
Familiarize with the tournament venue and format; places to eat nearby.
Good luck
1600 USCF
and yeah I really just play those faster games to pass time. I really can't get into online play as much as I'd like to. I never had to actually prepare for past tournaments but I took a 10 year break from my last tournament to now. So I've kind of lost my shine. I will definitely try out those things you suggested, Thank you!
Jul 10, 2023
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#4
Fully understand. FYI, you will be playing at your current, although old, rating. Keep your preparation simple. The pre-move checklist will help avoid hanging pieces. You should have adequate time per move to make a "good" move selection, so don't rush or over think.
90 Minute game should help me with thinking but I'm kind of concerned with the amount of games. It's 5 round in 2 days and each game is 90 minutes, any advice on how to keep a tough mentality even if mentally drained
Jul 11, 2023
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#6
No doubt you will be mentally and physically exhausted by Sunday night. Use next few weeks to build some reserves...sleep/rest, hydration, preparation. Study under playing conditions (no computers, phones, music; enjoy the silence).
Before each game, take 5 minutes to warm up with puzzles. Trust your preparation. Take breaks and stretch during the game. Think on opponent's time. Eat high protein, lo carb meals and snacks (stabile blood sugar); heavy meals will make you sleepy. Take a brisk walk between rounds. Get a good rest Saturday night. Focus only on the current position, not the previous round, earlier moves or what might be. With an advantage, double your efforts to convert a win. Try to win as quickly and prudently as possible (saves energy). This approach helped me with both chess and bridge tournament play.