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10 Tips to Dominate Chess Tournaments

WGM Raluca Sgircea, IM Renier Castellanos

02.14.2019

Tags: Chess mastery, chess tournaments, Confidence, controlled risks, exploit his weaknesses, mistakes, opponent, psychology, weaknesses

Dominate Chess Tournaments: Quite often after a serious amount of time of regular training sessions, some people still struggle to show better results at tournament practice. How is it possible, one may think, after studying so much to still perform poorly and sometimes even worse than before training periodically? It can sound strange but this scenario is not rare at all. Chess is a complex game and the victory lies in many factors; some can be trained and others you only learn how to deal with when you grow a more mature mindset.

Psychology plays an important part in the chess battle. I often tell my students that they learn at home, in our lessons, but at the board, they must compete, not learn.

What does this mean exactly?

In my opinion, the best competitor is one who can solve difficult problems. It is easier to say it than to do it, that’s why in this article we have elaborated a 10 tips list with everything we feel it’s necessary to become a good competitor.

1. Confidence

You cannot do it if you think you can’t. You must be confident in your abilities. Also, you have to trust your instincts and know that you can be capable of winning against strong opponents. The most effective way to improve your confidence is by studying.

When you do the work, you can rest assured you have the tools necessary to obtain a positive result.

2. Dominate Chess Tournaments: Lose the pressure

Try always to give your best. Regardless of the result of the game, it will be a good game if you have put into it everything you got. Learn from your mistakes, but also accept that even if you make one, your opponent will most probably make some too.

Play relaxed.

3. Play the opponent

Be flexible in your thinking and your approach to the game. Study well your opponent and adapt to exploit his weaknesses in the best possible way.

To do that you may have to not play your favorite opening, but don’t let it be an obstacle; see it as a challenge.

4. Dominate Chess Tournaments: Take controlled risks

There is less reward in the safety path. Being able to take risks is one of the main characteristics of a good competitor.

Assume risks in order to present bigger problems to your opponent.

5. Avoid being predictable

When a player uses the same opening round after round without any deviation in his systems it means that he is an expert and it will be difficult to find holes in his openings. However, there is a huge downside to this approach in modern chess. It is too easy now to prepare sharp lines; there are drawing lines almost against anything.

Try to have at least 3 to 4 systems available so your opponent has much more trouble when preparing against you.

6. Dominate Chess Tournaments: Keep a positive mind

Trouble is inevitable. Not seeing things clear will happen at some point during the game. It is important to not let emotions ruin your thinking process. Keep calm, take a breath and look for options.

There are always chances, at least most of the time.

7. Be practical

Remember that you are not doing a super scientific test. It is only a game. Try to manage your time wisely and make as many good decisions as you can. Avoid looking for perfection in every move and consuming lots of time; it often leads to time trouble and negative results.

8. Dominate Chess Tournaments: Do not underestimate your opponent, never!

Possibly one of the worst things you can do at the board is to underestimate the abilities of your opponent. Maybe a long time ago this was acceptable, but not today.

We can see upsets in every tournament, which means that ratings alone do not win games. Take your opposition seriously and give your best effort.

9. Learn to recompose yourself after a loss

Essential. Win or lose, don’t let the result affect you for the next game and the next after that. It is a different day and a different opponent; a new beginning.

Another opportunity to show some good chess. Do not be negative because you lost the round before or even worse, do not fear another loss.

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.