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Does stress improve or worsen your game?

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ChessSlimShady

I find that when I'm stressed, playing chess, helps to get rid of my stress, but during tournaments I get stressed, I get distracted. What do you think?

CapAnson

oh heck I can't play stressed at all.. 

Kansha

Stressed for me = bad

I can't play properly when stressed. It hinders my ability to see moves properly, I miss tactics, don't calculate correctly, etc.

heinzie

More chess, more stress

Chang-er13

If I'm stressed I make less stupid mistakes. Although sometimes, if I'm overly stressed, I will miss opportunities to make trade-offs that will win me points.

ManicDemoN

Worsens my game certainly.. i'm stressed when i feel i have to or must prove something..that's when most mistakes come up..actually when i'm stressed i'm totally under-perfoming..

program4

Actually, stress seems to help me a little (especially in bullet chess), since I move faster that way and am more on the lookout for tactics, compared to when I'm relaxed.

FireAndLightz

I think stress is good at fast games ( 1-5 mins ) and worse on long games ( 15 or 30 mins ) for me.

St3r_f4ll

when im stressed...i cant think,focus,find tactics,forget what i wanted to do.when i stress i LITERALLY BECOME A 200 ELO

akenastewart

game itself is stress causer

Abrahamnilso

chess is stressful game itself

Ziggy_Zugzwang

"Limited theatre stress" such as chess is a good way of forgetting or gaining perspective on life's more important issues....

CheckCaptureMate

Playing OTB chess is worsening my mental health because it is stressful, and I practice chess for about 4 hours a day.

spideypowers

stress will worsen your play (Rapid, Blitz). It may help in Bullet, like #7 said. I personally cant play with stress, else I would lose upto 50-100 elo. Its best to play chess when you are completely focussed or calm.

St3r_f4ll

#14 corrcet though...i think i lost about 200 elo...