I don’t think it was stalling. A lot of players think staring at the opponent is a worthwhile use of their clock; they think it someone intimidates them. I barely notice my opponents. I will typically look them in the face when making a particular move I want to see their reaction on, but most of the time, I’m involved with the game and looking at the board. When I’m not looking at the board, I’m walking around the playing hall and glancing at the games of others.
In other words, just let them waste their own clock; ignore them, or give a smile back. That will confuse them :D
In a game at my weekly chess tournament, I got a winning position early and checkmated my opponent before move 30. What struck me, however, was how he used his time. Several times I looked up and noticed that he was staring at me rather than at the board. This was a 90-minute game with a five-second delay, yet he often let substantial time pass before making a move despite not appearing to study the position. Thoughts.
And lemme know what openings you play. Thanks in advance.