Advice, please: Am I strong enough for OTB Tournament Play?

Sort:
Elubas

There is no such thing as "good enough" for OTB! For one there are many different divisions based on playing ability. But assuming you are unrated, just get out and try it, you'll see where you stand! It should be a great experience playing real people in serious games, naturally with some incentive in everyone to do well.

Tactickle

OP here with an update:  I finally played my first tournament - a day-long "active" tournament (25m+10s time control) and was 3.0 in 5 games!  The field ranged from 1100-2400, and there were a few strong club players.  I blundered away a won game againt a 1650 by touching the wrong pawn in the endgame and in another game I managed to beat an 1800 with a wild attack which was well executed.

Most importantly, it was lots of fun and the enjoyment has encouraged me to play more chess!

For anyone interested in their first tourney, I highly recommend it.  The strong players were happy to analyze my mistakes - which is basically a free chess lesson from a master.  The enthusiasm of the competition is contagious.

I went to the tournament with a local "chess friend" who plays at my level.  This is also a great encouragement; kind of like a "workout buddy".

GhostNight

You have now been chess baptized!Cool   Good for you!!

andrewhoyer

@Tactickle - I can't recommend tournaments enough and am happy you were able to play in one.  I haven't scored 50% in a tournament yet, so the fact that you've done it on your first try is a good sign.  Congrats.

Tactickle

So, I'm in the middle of a 5-game FIDE ranked Swiss tournament now (5 consecutive Monday nights) and I'm 3.0/4.0! 

It was a bit of a fluke, but I have also played well.  I am 2nd out of 14 players at the 4th round!  My next game is against a 2100-rated player, so I'll give him my best game, but I'm not holding my breath!

Moral of the story: you never know until you try!