Have you ever...?

Submitted by rookierae on Fri, 02/01/2008 at 3:44pm.

Sup' everybody! Rae here telling about the "career" that I've had in chess so far.

Who here has played in tournaments and games, lost, and have practically beaten yourself to a pulp because you know you didn't do your best?

Well, folks. That's what's happened to me ever since I started playing. In my first tournament (it was a blitz tornament), the last kid I played, I know I could've beaten. I rushed, made dumb moves, and felt really stupid when I saw all the kids in my age group get their medels. If I had won that last game, I would've gotten second!

Another time, I went to chess club. The third person I had to play against that looked like he was no more than six years old. His rating was really low and I thought I could easily beat him. I thought, "Oh, good. I'm tired and I'll be able to beat someone without having to think much." Boy, was that a mistake. The kid beat me in, like, less than 20 moves. I was furious with myself!

This situation has also happen on this website several times. With a time limit of 3 days for each move, you'd think I'd be able to win most of my games. Nope. Not me! I have rushed and thought in haste numerous times and have spent the rest of the week killing (not really) myself for it.

So, from these experiences I have concluded (I'm sooo proud of myself for using common sense) that it is impossible to win and spend no time to think, always asume your opponent, no matter what their rating, is a challenge, and if you do mess up, have a good cry or temper tantrum and then get back on your feet and study your faults. Now who's gonna learn from this with me?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

-ROOKIERAE

P.S. PLEASE post! I love to read about what people have to say!

» posted in rookierae's Blog

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Comments:

by Rael - 7 months ago
Calgary, Alberta Canada

Member Since: Sep 2007
Member Points: 2790

Well it sounds like you can be pretty hard on yourself for your losses - but I do hope you channel that more into study than just being angry at yourself. I've been finding that I couldn't immediately force my improvement in chess, however much I wanted to, but that it has been happening, gradually, but surely. I am getting better, and I'm sure you are too.

Second of all, you have to remember everyone on this website is very dedicated to chess as well, as a pool of players even the very low rated ones will be better than the general populace at chess.

I do take to heart what you're saying about respecting opponents - I think that is very important. Never assume that you'll have an easy victory, and don't stress out either. Breathe deeply, be happy, and regard the chess board always with fresh eyes, ready to enjoy this game like it was your first and last.

Be gentle with yourself Rae - love the process. You have nothing to prove to anyone (including yourself!). Where we love we improve - so keep loving chess and you cannot fail to improve. Keep it light, my friend. These days I'm very happy to slowly improve - I have Garry Kasparov's "My Brilliant Games" and last night I was really happy just to play the first one out on my board while at home, sipping on some Canadian Whisky - he sacrificed both of his bishops into pawns and won the game! Amazing stuff.

Thanks again for posting your continuing chess career! Now that you've shared some of your frustrations, maybe next time tell us about some of your successes, okay?

Your friend Rael

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