It's an interesting question (Bad phases, why?)....
I'm sure there could be many reasons. I've found that what achja said in the first reply, "* Do I get an opening line on the board that I like or dislike ?
* Can I concentrate well, am I fresh and not tired, or is my head full of non chess thoughts, good mood, bad mood ?
* Did I spend too much time on chess and need a break ?
Also, once you are in a winning mood, it can happen that this pleasant glow will help you to play better.
When losing a few times it can happen that it is hard to get those losses out of body and mind, and this can badly affect the current chess games.
Taking a chess break, or doing more non chess things could help." rings very true.
For me, sometimes there are surges of loss and poor play, failing to solve puzzles, or suffering in any chess-related activity, which leads to a sudden growth and emergent understanding or clarity; a new dawn after the darkness. But listen to achja, he is a good teacher and player, and is far better than me. This has been my experience in general. Also, try to learn from your mistakes. I know that staying in comfortable or habitual patterns that aren't always sound or proper inhibits or stagnates growth, in chess and in life.
I'm sure there could be many reasons. I've found that what achja said in the first reply, "* Do I get an opening line on the board that I like or dislike ?
* Can I concentrate well, am I fresh and not tired, or is my head full of non chess thoughts, good mood, bad mood ?
* Did I spend too much time on chess and need a break ?
Also, once you are in a winning mood, it can happen that this pleasant glow will help you to play better.
When losing a few times it can happen that it is hard to get those losses out of body and mind, and this can badly affect the current chess games.
Taking a chess break, or doing more non chess things could help." rings very true.
For me, sometimes there are surges of loss and poor play, failing to solve puzzles, or suffering in any chess-related activity, which leads to a sudden growth and emergent understanding or clarity; a new dawn after the darkness. But listen to achja, he is a good teacher and player, and is far better than me. This has been my experience in general. Also, try to learn from your mistakes. I know that staying in comfortable or habitual patterns that aren't always sound or proper inhibits or stagnates growth, in chess and in life.