Secrets to Success

Hi guys. Lion here. Earlier today I was thinking about different routes to Chess sucess. Some of the things most of us might not consider? Obviously, we have the main tips... play slow, study master games, do tactic puzzles etc. But here the lion will share some of his alternative ideas to help improve. Of course the usual hate mob will gather like vulture to scorn and abuse me as a patzer, troll, idiot etc. @llemonade. @Optimissed. @pfren. @Socks the cat. etc. But for serious club players wanting to improve, try these...

I. Sleep hygiene. When asked for tips, world champ Carlsen said try and get a good nights sleep? Sounds obvious right? But lion has played Much better on the rare occasion he gets decent sleep. And the link between mind cognition and sleep be well established. 

2. Keep hydrated. Anybody note the large amount of bottles the top players have when they play? Again, seems obvious, but many people are not hydrated properly. Proper hydration be proven to help the mind function better, swifter, get less tired.  Unfortunately the lion has chronic alcohol issues. But yesterday I avoided the hard stuff and drank lots of milk. When I played 4 l0 min games I crushed 3 opponents, scoring 99% accuracy in one game. And the other game I dominated, but lose on clock. Might be coincidence. But I could feel a difference, definitely. 

3. Excercise. Carlsen is well known for his athletic prowness. Keen runner, plays a lot of sport etc. Perhaps that gives him that little bit extra in long, tiring matches. Healthy mind, healthy body? Unfortunately, the once fit lion be quite bulky, well, Fat, recently. So this have to be worked on as well.

4. Memory. Carlsen and Kasparov both possess a remarkable talent for memorization. And most GM players are exceptional in this area? Carlsen might even have a photographic memory... which could explain the awesome variety of opening he can play and win with. Obviously, a good memory will aid Chess performance, memorization of opening lines and tactic position etc. But many people don't realize that memory performance can be greatly improved, with a little study?

Lion has more alternative tips, but I need sleep at this point. Let me hear what you think. 

Meditation. If a player can focus 100% in his game, he can play consistently. Many players play up and down.