Any tips on playing in chess Tournaments?

Question

I've never played in a chess tournament before, but I am worried that if I do play that I'll walk in and be Dominated. Of course i aspire to be the best that I can, but I don't know HOW good people who play in tournaments really are. Any sort of Tips or anything? or Input on the subject?

Answer 1

Relax, enjoy yourself.  Everybody has a first tournament.  Try taking a friend along.  If you are really worried go to a tournament and watch before you participate in one.  Some of the people will be real good and some will be terrible, this also applies to their chess ability.    Expect nerves will have an affect on your play and set your goals accordingly.

Answer 2

OK, this will sound stupid.  I assume you are talking a 1 day American Swiss.  I've never been patient enough for two games in two days.

It is tiring.   (Yes, I know that sounds stupid, but it is true.)  By the third round guys  in shape have a noted advantage.  There will be a "sugar crash" during round three.

Avoid candy like m&ms and stuff  It'll give you a peak and a sudden drop to even lower than before.  Pack some apple slices or baby carrot sticks to have around 2 to 3 pm.

Oh, and don't take what you see in the skittles room seriously.  (Skittles is chess for fun.)  When guys go into the skittles room they disengage their brain.  Guys play differently for fun and for blood.

How this works for a multi-day tournament, I don't know.

Answer 3

I have been in a few high school chess tournaments before, so here are my tips.

1. Don't worry to much about the chess clock. I think you will each get two hours. If you try to make moves to hastily trying to save time, you may make common mistakes or overlook what your opponent is doing, and lose the game.

2. If you see a really good move, think of a better move. Don't make a move, just because you notice a good move, think about your options and what you are trying to accomplice.

3. You should develop your pieces right away and castle within 10 moves to make sure your king is protected.

4. Don't be nervous or underestimate your opponent. If you are in a winning position, don't overlook what your opponent may try to do. Just remember, one bad move can cost you the game.

5. Make sure your king has some breathing room meaning make sure one of the pawns on the kings side is moved up one. You don't want a rook a queen to come down on the back row and put you in check mate. Make sure the bishop doesn't block your kings escape root ether.

6. Don't try to check mate your opponent in 4 moves, it won't work and will waste time.

7. Don't bring your queen out to early in the game. If your queen is an early target, you will waste time, while your opponent is developing their pieces.

8. If you are ahead in material, Trade Trade Trade!. On the other hand, if you are down in material, do not trade.

9. If you are sure you are going to win, try to be very careful that you don't put your opponent in stalemate. if on the other hand you are in a losing position, try to force a draw by repeal check, or by forcing your opponent to put you in stalemate.

10. Relax and have fun!

Im not sure how good your opponent are, they might place you by rank, which they will be the same level of playing as yourself.

Answer 4

Don't appear nervous or disorganised. Have your pen, plus a spare one, sitting neatly by your scoresheet, as if you have done it all before many times. Make a point of neatly adjusting your pieces prior to play. Your opponent will note this precision, and perhaps anticipate your play will also be precise.

Do not appear nervous or fidgety, and move your men with unhesitant purpose, even if you are not sure of what to do in the game.

Do not rush your play, just because the opponent may be playing his moves quickly, but beware of leaving little time for your remaining moves.

When you capture an enemy piece, take it as if it belongs to you, in an unapologetic way, but avoid anything to do with facial expression, sighing etc. - always try and appear impassive and unperturbed.

Naturally it would help to also play well, but your question did not seem to asking for tips on the game.

Most importantly remind yourself that this is fun, and not punishment!