Advice: 90 Min OTB Fatigue

I've been playing 90 min OTb games lately and find myself with both a dull feeling in my head after the first 30 minutes on my clock and blind eyes after the 60 minute mark.

I just flat out dropped a rook last week because of this "blindness".

Any advice on playing 90 min games? A coffee perhaps?

usually when i feel fatigued or my calculation feels unclear i just have a nap lol

Well, I suppose one thing you can do, is not play longer time controls.

Drinking coffee is another way. Also drinking some unhealthy energy drink that is bound to give you cancer may do the job to keep you awake too.

It especially is difficult when you have 3 five hour games in a row. By the third game its easy to make a blunder especially when you are older and your energy level is down, but your opponent has the same issues.

My coach tells me that this only happens in the U.S. In Europe they play one 5 hr game a day, and have the rest of the time to relax and prepare, while here we play 3.  

In the U.S unfortunately, you always get more of everything, in almost every facet of life.

If they are two day tournaments with 3 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday which is pretty common, maybe take a bye in the 3rd round on Saturday.  Or if you're a night owl, pre-register and take a first round by on Saturday.

I'm the opposite to a night owl. I can't play at night  at all. My playing strength drops by at least 500 ELO [ sorry about that, I was brought up with Arpad Elo's system on the brain] pts.

So for me it's hobson's choice: night = hopeless or many games in a day = wear me out. No wonder I aplay a lot online.

General tips are to get up and walk often when its not your move, especially if you usually tend to move faster than your opponents and have time to "spare". Walking will improve your blood flow and make you feel more alert again. I also recommend drinking water often, as water can improve cognitive function and doesn't give you any crash effects like most energy drinks. It also will force you to walk some to use the restroom reguarly.

Usually when I'm sleepy I just wash my face, what's wrong with that? I also chat outside with some chess people, and wander aimlessly and think about my position and something else, just to leave it. Plus, when I blunder I usually leave the board.

I'm going to try to take a nap just before the game and get up more often.. drink water etc..

Getting a good nights sleep the night before is huge. Unfortunately many times you stay in noisy hotels and that is difficult.

I have same problem. No miracle solution but here is what helps me:

Moving. Don't sit all the time - I leave the board every 2-3 moves, walk around, do some stretching and other exercises.

While it's not your move stand next to your chair and think about the position - it's not as dull as sitting and you also see the board from different angle - sometimes it helps.

Eat and drink during the game. It's not very healthy but it helps. I start it as soon as dullness appears (let's say after 15-20 moves). For me it's orange juice, dried fruits, cereal bars.

Kingseye's recommendations are excellent.

Chess is a sport. Prepare for tournaments by getting into some physical shape. Swimming, jogging, even walking all help. As Kingseye recommended, drink plenty of water. Drink before you get thirsty! Don't eat a lot of simple sugars, but do eat some carbohydrates. Some people eat carrots or bananas to keep up their energy. Just be sure not to disturb your opponent.

One controversial piece of advice I've heard is "play hungry". For me, if I am too hungry, I'm distracted. But certainly don't play on a full stomach. You'll have a really hard time concentrating.

Stretch your legs occasionally. You need blood flowing freely to think well. 

The night before the game, make sure you get plenty of sleep.

Josh Waitzkin authored an interesting book, The Art of Learning, which used some of his experiences in tournament chess play as catalysts in the learning process. He said that when he got that dull feeling, he would go outside and do sprints, getting the heart moving quickly, and when he returned to the board, he had done away with the dullness, and replaced it with clarity. Proper body maintenance is key to beneficial work with the mind. 

bobby fischer said coffee makes it even worse. But i read somewere it supposed to help to put cold water on the eyebrows. I dont know if its true or a fake but thats what i read.

 i had that problem too in a drawn endgame i totally couldnt think anymore. man was i happy the opponent offered draw 

I stay away from caffeine because I inevitably crash a few hours later.  Lots of water and juice and I try to avoid greasy fast food too.  I also eat a bit less, but will snack on trail mix and orange or apple juice if I start to get drowsy at the board.  Being rested is also very important.

Walking around too of course.  My advice is not to wait until you're drowsy.  At least once every hour get up and walk around.  In between rounds I have to resist the urge to watch my friend's games finish leaving me even less time in between.  My advice is to leave the playing area immediately and walk around outside (like around the building).

I need to take some sleeping pills (i don't really) the night before i play in a tournament...why you may ask? I can't go to sleep because I can't wait to play.

A good night's sleep is worth 200 rating points. I just made that up, but it feels about right.

If your brain starts to get a little foggy mid-game while trying to calculate, GET UP AND WALK AROUND. Do this even if it is your turn and the clock is running (unless you are very short on time, of course). Sometimes it can help to simply close your eyes for a few moments, or turn your head away from the board. It's like a little reset switch for your brain.