Slumped.

Yo fellow Chess.com muskateers,

I have a problem (if you don't like dealing with problems, well this ins't the topic for you.) My problem is that I've lost a lot of games (both on this site and in some tournament games) that I probably shouldn't have lost or had an edge and blew it or just plain sucked at from the get go. Basically, I've been worse than usual and screw up a lot more often. How do you deal with fighting out of a slump? Do you step away for a bit, study up a bit more, what? I've tried analyzing some of the games I've played, and as I'm analysing, I almost immediately see the stupid move I made. I ask myself "Man, why did I do that?" When not in this slump, my moves at least have a little meaning to them, while now, some of the moves I make feel like they have no purpose or are done 'just cause'.

So again, what is the best way to dig yourself out of a slump?

The last time I had that happening more that I was comfortable with I decreased the number of games I played and went on vacation from online chess (at another site). I still played some OTB at the local club and finished most of the games I had going at the time, not starting any new ones for a few weeks.

When I got back to playing I was doing better, for the most part. I think a break is always a good thing. Read a book or some books (not chess related), watch some movies, get out and take walk or run, or do whatever else you do to relax. After that I got the itch and started playing again. Started having a few really poor games/positions recently and I might have to do it again myself. Though I think I have may over-extended myself this time around with too many games and too much other stuff I want to get done (studying) and things I have to get done (work).

So, in short. Take a break and refresh yourself.

 When I enter a slump, it's usually because I'm trying new openings / strategies.

If you are hitting a stump. Become more cautious. This time, when you've made a final decision to move, just as you are making the move with your mouse, go over every single option again or look around the board again one more time.

When you see your stupid moves, it's because you're not being cautious, you're making too many assumptions in each game, or you're just playing risky.

You ever have that feeling, when you're in a game... like "hmm, maybe I should do this aggressive and risky move, it could lead to a short checkmate"--- or the other path "maybe I should just castle or develop my rook a bit". If you're picking the first path, then you are going to lose A LOT of games. Every game has that moment of risky/aggressive versus safety/passive. Sometimes that's the difference between win/loss.

I took your advice eXecute and I blundered in the first game. BUT THEN!!! I played a much more cautious style of play against the same opponent the second game, as black none the less, and was able to see through strategies much more clearly. So I'll use your advice for now, it was quite helpful.

If that doesn't work, I'm going on a break. Thanks for you help mates.