I hope to play OTB sometime here in the not too distant future, but I am too busy finishing a second degree in engineering at the moment. I love to hear peoples' stories, though, makes me want to get out there and compete again! Good luck to you, John and too all OTB players out there looking for a bit of fun...

My first USCF game was against Andrea Peterson, a nine year old young lady with a rating of 1800, who shredded me, then shook my hand and went to play with Barbie Dolls in the corner with her friend (true story!). Don't feel bad!

I played in my first tournament this year at the San Diego chess club. It's was really intense to me. There was only two sections, under 1800-unrated and 1800 and over. Obviously I played in the under 1800. Was 2 1/2 and 1/2 going into the fourth round. I was very fatigued having driven to San Diego and resigned after a big combination that left me material down in a big way. However I was very pleased to see my provisional rating at 1757/4. I'm going to Las Vegas in June to play in a big tournament, 6 games over 3 days. Should be fun all around!

Hey John, I just played in a tourney in Louisiana two weeks ago after years of not playing. I do have a USCF rating of 1309 from years ago but I entered the Open tournament to play the big boys. I beat the first guy. A 1798 player. The other two 2000+ beat me but they said I was playing like an expert. I was actually sick that day but man it was fun!

It felt good to be playing OTB. I think that I may do it again.

Hey John, Robert here, we're presently battling in a tourney.  I remember my first USCF tourney in the mid 90's.  I was nervous as hell.  I lost to some I knew I could outperform.  Chalked it up as a lesson and won 1st place in C class in my next tourney.  As far as the kids, I got whipped by a 7yr old also in club play on a 15 min clock.  Wasn't quite used to playing that fast at the time.  Oh well, we live and learn.  Take care.  Look me up sometime.  Peace!

WOW! Hi John, I'm Chris. Just passed up a tournament as I knew I'd be unrated. That playing a 7 year old! Ouch. Well, think of him as Mozart. YOU got to meet Mozart - not so bad, eh?

I plan to make my first tournament an open to get a better idea of my rating. Can't say I'm not nervous though. Do I get the nerve and go to the Chicago Open for my first tourney? That has me shaking already...

I played my first rated games this yaer on Madrid´s chess league. I´ve lost them all since now (0/3), so it´s the beginner´s destiny. I also should have won a couple of them, but my opponents got 1800+ ELO rating!!!

Great post John!  I'm an older feller myself and am very excited to play my first USCF rated tourney at the end of the year.  It's called a "Rated Beginner's Open" so at least it will be all beginners.  I'm sure there will be a few 7 year olds that will have me in checkmate in no time!  But I feel I really need to get out there and do some OTB.  I've been all online here and on ICC with no OTB except against my brother and other family members.  I need to get out and throw some wood down!  Good luck and keep us posted on your OTB experiences.