Tips for playing OTB chess for the first time

Hello everyone, I am participating in an open tournament hosted by my university in a few days and its my first time ever playing OTB chess. Can you give me some tips how to prepare mentally and how to act in terms of etiquette and anything else I should be aware of? Thank you in advance : )

1. Familiarize yourself with OTB specific rules. The most important is the touch move rule. You already probably know it, but if you don't, absolutely make sure you learn it.

2. Don't forget to hit the clock after every move. Many OTB novices do. Don't be that guy, don't let your opponent think on your time, especially if you play shorter time controls.

3. As far as etiquette goes, just act as a decent human being, that will have you covered for most of the time. You are supposed to shake hands before and after the game. There are a few others things, but you'll learn them as you go.

4. Most importantly, have fun.

If you have half an hour to watch a video:

Sleep and eat well but not heavily in the day or so leading up to the tournament. Relax. Center yourself. Shortly before the tournament starts, do something that boosts your confidence... for example, play over an old game of yours that you are particularly satisfied with. Go into the tournament with the goal of having fun, and any games you lose should be treated as a free chess lesson.

I agree with all of the above, etiquette is really important, but if you're being a gentleman or lady then they will also forgive any mistakes you may make.

For the chess side of things, I always run through my openings, do lots of puzzles, and then don't even think about chess the day of. It allows me to prepare to be sharp, but also relax and not overtax my brain before the games even begin. Also remember that you will have plenty of time, so always double check your moves and don't write down moves after the 5 minute mark.

Focus on playing your best rather than worrying about the outcome. Each game is a learning opportunity.