Generally would recommend playing in the section that corresponds with your rating, because if you prove to be better than your rating then you will finish with an excellent result and prize money. Some people do play up, to each his own. I find that masters outclass lower rated players transitioning from the opening to the middlegame and in endgame technique. It's a different class of competition, so if you play in the open, be prepared for some tough challenges!
Is it pretentious to play a section up in OTB tourneys?
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Hi. I'm rated around 1880 OTB USCF right now and there's a tournament coming up. The sections are either 1600-2000 or Open (2000+ FIDE rated).
A lot of strong players have told me that playing stronger plays will help me improve, and I want to play in the Open section. However, is that pretentious? Is that annoying to higher rated players? I don't want to seem rude or stupid. And also, if I do, is it FIDE rated?). What would you recommend? What would you do if you were me? Thanks.