Hey folks,
I've joined a chess club with work and I have been asked to play a classical game OTB as part of a tournament we have entered.
The format is 75+15 and the tournament is next week. I was wondering if anyone on the forum had any advice how to prepare to utilise my time well or resources I should check out?
I do not know who my opponent is, so general resources for prep would be helpful also.
Thanks a lot!
For context, I have really only ever played blitz - so I feel the time control will be a huge shock.
Then trying some game with a longer time control would definitely be useful so that you have some idea how it feels. You could either try some 30+20 games via quick pairing or join one or more of the upcoming tournaments, e.g:
lichess.org/swiss/5LVxgVSblichess.org/swiss/axM4BYPulichess.org/tournament/CbKPIVCTlichess.org/swiss/CJ2rrC3nlichess.org/tournament/JB4FxHunlichess.org/swiss/3iibwsXblichess.org/tournament/C6t15VfAIf you don't have my experience with playing OTB, using a physical board for your longer time control games may be also helpful.
Well, since you have joined a chess club, and you have no experience at all with OTB chess for such time controls, play a few games at your chess club with those time controls. OTB chess for those time controls is very different from doing the same controls on line. You also need experience just sitting in your chair for that time, without disturbing your opponent. While playing online, you may be playing music, spin around in your chair, talk to yourself (or someone else), etc. All things you need to refrain from for the multi hour games of OTB chess.
Of course, playing actual slow OTB games is best, if possible. What I suggested in comment #3 was rather meant as an alternative in case it's not an option.
Play a game here on Lichess with a similar time control, like 60+30 or so.
It might be useful to make the moves on a real board to get used to it.
I recommend to write down the moves in those training games. You are required to do OTB, and many things can go wrong with that. So making yourself comfortable with that is a good idea.
All useful. I'll play some games of a similar time control copying the moves OTB and writing down the notation. I didn't consider the restlessness part.
Not to state the obvious, time is the biggest difference between classical and faster controls. There is enough time for you to calculate and come up with deep plans. There is enough time to figure out your opponent's ideas and avoid blunders. Typically, people move too fast when they first play classical. That time is your friend, use it wisely.
This will be your first classical game, so don't overthink it. Chess is a game of three results, and whatever yours may be, enjoy the experience and hopefully you will play many more classical games.
try to learn the right course based on:
1.how common it is in tournaments
2.how easy it is for you to play
I won! Thanks all :) <3
