I try not to worry too much about my opponents’ ratings – I just try to play the board and make what I think is the best move. I’ve joined a lot of open daily tournaments and team matches and it is very easy to get matched with a much stronger opponent, so after playing a lot of higher rated opponents I don’t worry about playing them so much anymore. I just try to do my best.
I have a daily rating of around 1180 and have been paired up with a 2200 rated GM. At first, I was a little nervous, but I’ve calmed down and am just trying to play the best chess I can even though I have a very small chance of winning. They are open games so I can’t say much about them, but I will be happy if I don’t make any major blunders. So far, I think I’m doing OK although higher rated players may disagree.
Playing a stronger opponent triggers three distinct responses from me. I either fight (when I can
), flight (goodbye chess.com, I am out of here and probably be in hiatus for several years
) or freeze (waiting for the blow that ends my suffering
).
Here is an example of my flight response, a recent game I played somewhere. This, however, is riddled with blunders. I actually run out of squares in this one. Ha
What's your most common response when faced with a formidable foe?