Why...?

Why is it that I perform better at an OTB chess tournament then a - for example - online tournament of similar time controls?

When I play online, I've tried very long time controls, but I always lose - I just can't focus.

But in OTB play (of which I have a fresh memory when I played chess with my friend at school today), I play much better and am more focused.

Why is this? 

What if I don't need a honer?

Interesting way to think about it.

Anyone else? (ignoring macer completely)

Anyone???

I can't give you a response, but be sure you are not the only one. I simply can't take seriously a screen board. But I have some fun here.

I swear I even calculate better OTB than online.

Hi, Vulpes

I think there are 4 reasons for this tow are psychological, one technical and one mental

The psychological reasons are:

1- You don't find pleasure in indirect confrontation.

2- You don't have enogh stimulation in playing against an opponent u don't see.

Can you continue mzo2014 ?

I think it's psychological, as well. 

The technical is : You are'nt good enough at tactics to overcome the psychological reasons.

The mental is: it seems that some noise make better conditions for ur mind.

Done

Sure Ghostess

Set up a real chess board for your online games, like I often do.

I do that all the time. It helps.

Great question, Vulpes, and I think I have the answer.

When you play OTB, in a tournament setting, there are no phones, tv, email, etc. Just you and the board.

At home, on your computer, there is just so much more stimuli to filter out.

In my opinion....first of all-the screen makes our eyes sore then we can't concentrate because we feel uncomfortable.

I think that is a main problem.

Furthermore, a real chessboard really helps because it is real, of course.

WOW It looks almost like you were in my house taking pictures.

I used to do that but I got tired of resetting the board for each of my games.

I also feel i play better OTB than online. Partly, it is psychological, but i think i see things more clearly in real life (3 D) than on a computer screen. I also can move a chess piece and hit a clock faster than clicking a piece with my mouse. It seems that a high percentage of time, i accidentally let go of the mouse button too quickly and the piece either lands in the wrong square or it zaps back to its original square because the attempted move is illegal. I also frequently select the wrong piece with the mouse. For me, my dexterity with a computer mouse is a real limitation, particularly at blitz.

I vote for the "a chessboard is real" theory someone mentioned earlier.

No doubt it is a bit more intense when you are sitting in a chair across from the person who is trying to crush you.

Fortunatel, with computer chess, I don't have to see all your ugly muggs.