Really useful.
I'm (for the first time) playing up a section in my next tournament, partly because of the personal development reasons you give, but also because, where I am, hardly anyone has a FIDE rating in the bottom section, and most players do in the section above. I thought I'd make sure I get enough games to get rated (assuming my performance rating will be high enough!)
I'm (for the first time) playing up a section in my next tournament, partly because of the personal development reasons you give, but also because, where I am, hardly anyone has a FIDE rating in the bottom section, and most players do in the section above. I thought I'd make sure I get enough games to get rated (assuming my performance rating will be high enough!)
You lose less elo when you play (and lose) against a higher player than playing (and losing) against a player of your level
In a low section you play against non rated players : good thing if you lose but no elo gain if you win !
In a low section you play against non rated players : good thing if you lose but no elo gain if you win !
Somehow my mindset is to play in higher section, but i am not ready to loose many games, i am rather planning to make lots of surprises. I guess with such a mindset i am probabpy just gonna get frustrated. But what to do?! I am me!
Playing against higher-rated players should always be an option.
You should play all types.
Opens you can also face off with kids 400 points lower than you but underrated (particularly FIDE tournaments) and lose which hits your rating, but you also get to test your accuracy against stronger players. Maybe most of your moves were good and it's just one or two small errors or misunderstandings that were your downfall. You might be able to work out what you need to work on which could be the equivalent of many sessions with a good coach. The real risk is getting beaten but not understanding why, just the slow degrading of your position or the blow from nowhere which you'd had no chance of seeing.
Higher sections can be the same (if you truly don't belong), but you're trying to understand why players are better than you (what to work on) and also practise setting them problems which they might well have trouble with despite the higher rating. The problem is that non-master players are not so good as role models so while you might be seeing better chess than you're used to, you aren't seeing master chess and probably also bad habits which their better skill hides when you are making mistakes but other players their level and above would punish. Copying them might raise your rating but lead to longer term issues.
Sections at your level are good for having to win the won games, often against underrated or tenacious opponents. You're probably likely to see more side lines and defensive / passive play which will need appropriate punishment when due. If it's just too easy then the next section up should be considered (then this one isn't really at your level you are just underrated). Although there is prize money, realistically once accommodation, travel and entry are factored in, you're not earning although it can be an ego boost or a nice feeling the first couple of times. [Personally I'd prefer no prize money but cheaper entry, but there are many who need the money motivation to enter]. In the end you're spending more than you are receiving so you have to be there for the chess, so just getting easy prize money (which even if you're a top seed is no guarantee) shouldn't be the motivation.
Opens you can also face off with kids 400 points lower than you but underrated (particularly FIDE tournaments) and lose which hits your rating, but you also get to test your accuracy against stronger players. Maybe most of your moves were good and it's just one or two small errors or misunderstandings that were your downfall. You might be able to work out what you need to work on which could be the equivalent of many sessions with a good coach. The real risk is getting beaten but not understanding why, just the slow degrading of your position or the blow from nowhere which you'd had no chance of seeing.
Higher sections can be the same (if you truly don't belong), but you're trying to understand why players are better than you (what to work on) and also practise setting them problems which they might well have trouble with despite the higher rating. The problem is that non-master players are not so good as role models so while you might be seeing better chess than you're used to, you aren't seeing master chess and probably also bad habits which their better skill hides when you are making mistakes but other players their level and above would punish. Copying them might raise your rating but lead to longer term issues.
Sections at your level are good for having to win the won games, often against underrated or tenacious opponents. You're probably likely to see more side lines and defensive / passive play which will need appropriate punishment when due. If it's just too easy then the next section up should be considered (then this one isn't really at your level you are just underrated). Although there is prize money, realistically once accommodation, travel and entry are factored in, you're not earning although it can be an ego boost or a nice feeling the first couple of times. [Personally I'd prefer no prize money but cheaper entry, but there are many who need the money motivation to enter]. In the end you're spending more than you are receiving so you have to be there for the chess, so just getting easy prize money (which even if you're a top seed is no guarantee) shouldn't be the motivation.
Great advice on choosing the right chess tournament section! It's all about finding that perfect balance between challenge and opportunity for growth. Can't wait to apply these insights in my next tournament! ️.Thanks for the insightful tips .
I have been one time on the spot to choose, I took the money and was happy about my choice. I would still suggest always to play against stronger opponents if you want to develop your chess. If you are out of money, maybe take the moneyz