Mastering the Mindset: How to Stay Calm in Complicated Positions

But how do you keep your cool when the pressure is on? Let’s dive into some simple, straightforward tips that can help you master the mindset needed to stay calm in complicated positions.

1. Take a Deep Breath

The first thing to remember when the position on the board gets messy is to simply breathe. It sounds basic, but when tension builds up, our first reaction is often to panic or rush. Taking a deep breath gives your brain a chance to reset. By doing this, you force yourself to slow down, which helps you think more clearly. Chess is a game of patience, and you won’t be able to solve the position if your mind is racing with stress.

FM Aleksa Alimpic is a professional chess coach. For lessons and consultations contact via e-mail: alimpicbusiness@gmail.com or via Lichess messages.

2. Focus on the Essentials

When you’re facing a complicated position, it’s easy to get distracted by all the possibilities. Your opponent might have pieces threatening your king, while you’re trying to figure out your next attack. Instead of worrying about everything at once, try to simplify the position in your mind. Focus on the key elements: What are the most important pieces right now? What is the immediate threat? Often, once you break it down, you’ll find that the position isn’t as complicated as it seems.

3. Remember That Every Move Counts

One of the worst things you can do when faced with a complicated position is make a hasty move just to get it over with. Remember, every move you make in chess matters. Even if the board looks chaotic, rushing through it will only make things worse. Take your time and trust that, with careful consideration, you can find the best move. Even if it’s not the “perfect” move, a well-thought-out one will usually keep you in the game.

4. Visualize the Future

One trick that strong chess players use in complicated positions is visualization. Instead of just staring at the board, try to picture what it will look like after a few moves. Ask yourself, “If I move here, how will my opponent respond? What will the position look like then?” This skill takes practice, but the more you work on it, the better you’ll become at seeing future possibilities and avoiding traps. By thinking ahead, you can ease some of the stress because you’ll have a clearer plan in mind.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Take a Risk

In complicated positions, it’s often tempting to play it safe. But sometimes, the best way to navigate a tricky situation is to take a calculated risk. This doesn’t mean you should recklessly sacrifice pieces, but you shouldn’t be afraid to shake things up if the position calls for it. Some of the most brilliant chess games in history were won because the player had the courage to take a chance. Staying calm doesn’t mean playing timidly; it means being bold but smart.

6. Trust in Your Abilities

It’s easy to doubt yourself when things get complicated. You might start second-guessing every move and worrying that you’re going to lose. But remember, chess is a game of learning. Even the best players in the world have made mistakes in complicated positions. Trust in the knowledge and skills you’ve developed over time. If you approach the situation with confidence, you’ll be more likely to stay calm and find a solution.

7. Learn from Every Complicated Position

Lastly, every complicated position is an opportunity to learn. Whether you win or lose, take the time to analyze the game afterward. What did you do well? Where did things start to get complicated? How could you have handled the situation better? By reviewing your games, you’ll not only improve your skills but also become more comfortable in complicated positions in the future.

Mastering the mindset to stay calm in complicated positions is key to becoming a better chess player. It’s not just about knowing the right moves or memorizing opening lines. It’s about training your brain to stay focused and calm under pressure. By taking a deep breath, simplifying the position, visualizing the future, and trusting in your abilities, you can navigate even the trickiest situations with confidence. Remember, chess is a journey, and every complicated position is just another step toward becoming a stronger, more resilient player. Keep practicing, and soon enough, staying calm in chaos will become second nature.

If you are interested in improving at chess, book a lesson with me (FM Alimpic Aleksa), contact me via e-mail: alimpicbusiness@gmail.com or via Lichess messages.
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