Tournament Preparation

I'm looking to enter the Miami Chess Open (which would be my first chess tournament) this September, and I was wondering if anyone had any preparation strategies for a tournament that is a few months away, and how this preparation would differ from your regular chess training?

Thanks in advance.

 

 

play LOTS of slow time-control chess! setup positions and look at them 10-20 minutes. that will help you get used to the feeling.

Well, if you are playing in your first rated tournament, here is my advice on how to prepare.  First, don't rush your game.  Play slow and thoughtful.  Question every move your opponent makes.  Ask yourself, why did he move there and what is he threatening.  Think about defense before offense.  Avoid exchanges and the endgame, which always favors the higher-rated player.  Keep it complicated.  You will be playing with a clock, so if you can practice with anyone with a clock, do so, but not 5-minute chess.  Write every move down.  Study two openings as White and two openings as Black to play.  Study every trap and short game you can on that or any other opening.  Don't play something too common against a high-rated player unless you know that opening well and know all the traps.  Look for tactics when it is not your move.  Think out of the box.  Think about how to win a piece or perhaps check the enemy king.  Look for combinations.  Look for moves the other guy is not thinking about.  Play solid.  Do not give up any pawns or pieces if you can help it.  Grab a pawn or piece unless you see a reason not to.  Stay at the board and look as far as you can into future moves.  Think of forced moves first.  Always count the number of pieces attacking a square or piece, and the number of pieces defending the square or piece.  Control the center.  Get your pieces out early and castle to protect your king.  Always have a play or idea.  Don't waste moves.  Don't think your opponent will not see something.  Don't let you mind wander.  Don't look at other games.  Don't look or ask you your opponent what his rating is.  Ignore that.  Don't get into time trouble.  Play your openings that you know quickly and confidently.  Put your pieces on squares with the most attacking potential.  Don't cramp your game.  If you are losing, trade pawns, but not pieces.  If you are winning, trade pieces, but not pawns.  If it is an even position, don't press it.  After the game is over, try to go over the game with your opponent.  If he can't do that, prepare for the next round with the opposite color.  Be patient.  Have fun.  Try to win if you can.  Learn from your mistakes.

Dang! Now that was what I call an answer to a question!

Thanks for the great tips.

my only advice is to look at every single piece and see all that can attack it or be attacked for example your pawn is on e4

now look at e5,g6,h7-d3,c2,b1-e3,e2,e1,e5,e6,e7,e8,  well theres a lot of coordinates to type and im too lazy, but I believe you get the hint, just do that with EVERY piece and dont trade without a gain and dont initiate a trade without a gain, but make sure you keep tempo in your favor thats crucial in every game well Good Luck

Also don't be intimidated out of the correct move. If he leaves a pawn hanging, don't assume it is a trap - even Grand Masters make mistakes. If you have a chance, play a few games in public spaces, a coffee house or something, so that you get used to playing with other things going around you. I think that getting used to the surroundings so that you can think straight is as if not more important than studying openings and traps.

If I were you, I would print out what Billwall said, and I would read it every night before going to bed, and every morning when I wake up. I am sorry, this may be the Nth time I have advocated this method. I truly believe that if you have a worthwhile go, you have to make sure it is at the top of everything in your mind. Reviewing your goals every day will give you the drive to pursue them. Anyway - so Billwall has given you pretty much all the info you need. It is a lot to remember. That is why the printing and reviewing is essential.

if it's... wrong