If you notice threats easier on a computer, that's because you're more used to playing on a computer.
I had the same problem too, but it dissapeared real quickly after I started playing and analyzing more over-the-board. Handily, the solution to your problem is "play more chess!"
You're not alone. Paul Keres, who learned chess tactics from his newspaper growing up, often looked up at the demonstration boards rather than the board in front of him.
The secret is familiarity. Before any big tnmt, play a bunch of casual games to get used to the look and feel of the board.
This is a good idea, however, I don't have anyone to play casual otb games with. So I'm stuck for other ideas. Possibly analyzing my games that I've played on the game with a real board, as was suggested earlier.
Keep playing on line then,
But how does this translate to over the board games?
I've been struggling with this as of late; I seem to notice patterns and threats much easier on the computer than I do on an actual board. This is effecting my tournament play (otb). Does anyone else have this problem, and how, (hopefully), did you straighten out this problem?
I have the same problem after playing for years on the internet and this year returning to OTB tournaments. What i have done is set up advanced tactics puzzles (5 or 6 move combos, mates , etc..) on an actual board and work through them this will give me the same confidence that i have playing on the internet.
You're not alone. Paul Keres, who learned chess tactics from his newspaper growing up, often looked up at the demonstration boards rather than the board in front of him.
The secret is familiarity. Before any big tnmt, play a bunch of casual games to get used to the look and feel of the board.
Your statement about Keres makes no sense. As a young teen he was playing as much as 150 postal games at once. Obviously, he was using a board and pieces to do this. The kid must have been living with a chessboard in front of him most of the time.
I might give this a try. Thanks Rockpeter
Keep playing on line then,
But how does this translate to over the board games?
In Scotland anyway, its standard plastic sets used at almost all clubs and tourneys. It really helps to use the exact same board and pieces at home in practice. This does relate to online also as I use my regular board to set out my positions to analyse them.
I've been struggling with this as of late; I seem to notice patterns and threats much easier on the computer than I do on an actual board. This is effecting my tournament play (otb). Does anyone else have this problem, and how, (hopefully), did you straighten out this problem?
The main reason is because real chessboard is not two-dimensional. It will be better if you sit higher (raising your back, sit close to the board). You can cheat by sometime analysing the board by standing.
I haven't played using real chessboard for probably 2 years now. But I try to solve similar problem by playing blitz. Playing blitz forces me to analyze the whole board in real time.
Also there is chess pieces model that is easier to "see". Usually it is the one with wide base (not the slim model). Make sure you have that one.
Chessboard color? May be. I prefer the green chessboard, but I think it is not too critical.
Try playing solitaire chess, playing out your own games, master games, interesting positions (looking for the best move for both sides) and openings and endgames on your board.
I have a friend with the same problem. He can see a regulation tournament board much better than other boards. It may have something to do with the larger size of the board and the standard shape of the pieces. Here is where you can get a tournament set. http://store.uscfsales.com/USCFSales/category=Browse+All+Tournament+Combinations/exact_match=on
Please dont hammer me for this question to his question but....would it be cheating if he actually set up a real board next to his computer and duplicated his moves on it? If I was playing an older player who had trouble seeing the board, I dont think I would care.(or glacoma or some other disorder). I spose you would have to ask your opponent if it was ok. Of course I play just for fun so I probably am missing something.
Get a DGT board and use that for your online play and tournament play, then you are always using the same board.
Thanks for the answer.
Tomsimon, it's not illegal to set up a second board for correspondence, but it is against the rules to do so for "live chess", chess played with a clock.
You could also set up a complex position and spend 20 minutes analysing it as Kotov recommended in Think Like a Grandmaster. That is actually an excellent exercise for preparing for an OTB game.
Interesting. Do you recommend this book for improving one's game, for someone at a level like mine?
I've been struggling with this as of late; I seem to notice patterns and threats much easier on the computer than I do on an actual board. This is effecting my tournament play (otb). Does anyone else have this problem, and how, (hopefully), did you straighten out this problem?