Promoting chess discussion.
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Chess Forum Promoting chess discussion. |
news:[email protected]... > After taking a couple of months off completely from playing chess, I started > playing again this week. I've noticed that starting to play chess again has > caused a lot of stress in my daily life. I never realized it before this. > After losing an unrated game online before supper last night, it put me in a > foul mood and it affected the rest of my evening. My wife wasn't too happy > about it, either. I am very competitive, and don't take losses very well. > > More than that, when playing chess games, I feel a lot of stress, my blood > pressure increases, and it feels like I'm walking on egg shells. When I am > doing chess problems or thinking about chess, and am often tense and in a > foul mood. What I've learned from studying tai chi is that people are most > effective when they are relaxed and loose, and not full of tension. You are > also able to think more clearly. > > The question I have for anyone who has overcome this problem is this: how > does one relax when playing/studying a chess position filled with tension? > And how does one get over a painful loss? Perhaps I need chess therapy... I don't like to lose, and try my hardest to win while I'm at the board, but always appreciate the chance to play someone who can beat me. Some days you give a lesson, some days you get a lesson. (I think that's a Fischer quote, but I first heard it from an opponent after a hard-fought game.) With that said, I don't really enjoy online chess very much. Matt |
but > always appreciate the chance to play someone who can beat me. Some days you > give a lesson, some days you get a lesson. (I think that's a Fischer quote, > but I first heard it from an opponent after a hard-fought game.) With that > said, I don't really enjoy online chess very much. Matt, Although I have only been competing in tournaments for a couple of years, I am probably even more tense over-the-board. More serious, sweaty palms, jittery legs, etc. Thanks for your response. Sandy |
I > am probably even more tense over-the-board. More serious, sweaty palms, > jittery legs, etc. Exciting, isn't it? You know, I have to agree that there's a difference between losing because you've been outplayed, and losing because you've done something stupid. I tend to do stupid things (not just on the chessboard) when I'm nervous, tired, drunk, malnourished, ill-prepared for the situation I'm in, or just plain lazy. So I try to take some deep breaths, get a good night's sleep and some exercise, not drink too much, eat a good meal, prepare, and pay attention. Then, if I still do stupid things, I can tell myself I was experimenting. Matt |
news:[email protected]... > > Although I have only been competing in tournaments for a couple of years, > I > > am probably even more tense over-the-board. More serious, sweaty palms, > > jittery legs, etc. > > Exciting, isn't it? Yes, and a big relief when you've earned a victory. > Then, if I still do stupid things, I can tell myself I was experimenting. I like that one!! |
> What I've learned from studying tai chi is > that people are most effective when they are relaxed and loose, and > not full of tension. You are also able to think more clearly. You've _read_ it, you did _not_ learn it. > The question I have for anyone who has overcome this problem is this: > how does one relax when playing/studying a chess position filled with > tension? And how does one get over a painful loss? Take yourself a bit less seriously. -- CeeBee EMH Mark I: "Stop breathing down my neck." EMH Mark II: "My breath is merely a simulation." EMH Mark I: "So is my neck. Stop it anyway." |
> > that people are most effective when they are relaxed and loose, and > > not full of tension. You are also able to think more clearly. > > You've _read_ it, you did _not_ learn it. True statement, when you put it that way. > > The question I have for anyone who has overcome this problem is this: > > how does one relax when playing/studying a chess position filled with > > tension? And how does one get over a painful loss? > > > Take yourself a bit less seriously. How do I do this without my level of play dropping? Thanks for your response. Sandy |
> >How do I do this without my level of play dropping? > Don't worry about your level of play. I'm sure you're not a grandmaster and will more than likely never become one, so why worry about it? I used to be the same way. Matter of fact yesterday I got mated in a 10 minuted game. I NEVER get mated. It was an ELEMENTARY back rank mate that I didn't even see; well I DID as soon as I made my bonehead move. Heheheh!! Relax and you'll probably have more fun. Regards, Jeff |
electrons muttered something about: >>> Take yourself a bit less seriously. >> >>How do I do this without my level of play dropping? >> > >Don't worry about your level of play. (snipped) >well I >DID as soon as I made my bonehead move. Heheheh!! Relax and you'll probably >have more fun. Truth. I finally started admitting and laughing at my blunders and have begun enjoying the game immensely more than some years ago. I enjoy the game now when I play a nice game. I enjoy it when I look at some of the games my chess engines play, and when looking over other peoples' games. And I even get a good laugh at some of the silly mistakes I make in online blitz. It is, after all, only a game, and not worth losing one's family, peace of mind, and so on, over. dayffd I assume full responsibility for my actions, except the ones that are someone else's fault. |
begun > enjoying the game immensely more than some years ago. I enjoy the game now when > I play a nice game. I enjoy it when I look at some of the games my chess engines > play, and when looking over other peoples' games. And I even get a good laugh at > some of the silly mistakes I make in online blitz. It is, after all, only a > game, and not worth losing one's family, peace of mind, and so on, over. I think I definitely take the game too seriously. What was weird was I didn't really notice it until I spent a couple of months away from it, and came back and saw how it affected me. And you're definitely right, it's not worth losing one's family, or peace of mind, or destroying the remainder of your evening. Thanks, Sandy |
and > will more than likely never become one, so why worry about it? I used to be the > same way. Matter of fact yesterday I got mated in a 10 minuted game. I NEVER > get mated. It was an ELEMENTARY back rank mate that I didn't even see; well I > DID as soon as I made my bonehead move. Heheheh!! Relax and you'll probably > have more fun. Jeff, I'll give it a try, maybe play some more unrated games to start with. Thanks, Sandy |
"Sandy Breon" <[email protected] > wrote in message news:[email protected]... > > > What I've learned from studying tai chi is > > > that people are most effective when they are relaxed and loose, and > > > not full of tension. You are also able to think more clearly. > > > > You've _read_ it, you did _not_ learn it. > > True statement, when you put it that way. > > > > The question I have for anyone who has overcome this problem is this: > > > how does one relax when playing/studying a chess position filled with > > > tension? And how does one get over a painful loss? > > > > > > Take yourself a bit less seriously. > > How do I do this without my level of play dropping? You are likely to find your level of play increasing. Regards |
>> Take yourself a bit less seriously. > > How do I do this without my level of play dropping? It is a common misconception that being dead serious about your life, work and hobbies is the only way to perform optimally. A misconception indeed. Only the ones being able to see his or her own limitations and judge them midly are able to overcome those very limitations. One of my countrymen, a former head of the intelligence service, once told to the papers that a good chief of an intelligence service should of course be capable and work hard, but should also definitely have a good sense of humor and relativity. Knowing your weaknesses and accepting them makes it possible to work on them: circumvent them, take them into calculation, or even conquer them. Put your hobby in the right perspective. It is a friendly challenge you should accept. Not a death run. -- CeeBee EMH Mark I: "Stop breathing down my neck." EMH Mark II: "My breath is merely a simulation." EMH Mark I: "So is my neck. Stop it anyway." |
Strong players are VERY competitive and HATE losing. Stress is a natural reaction to combat and it occurs to make you more effective in a fight. But it's expensive emotionally and physically. IMO there are only two alternatives - A. Avoid fights. You'll live longer B. Learn to manage your stress so that it's mostly constructive. When I find myself in a foul mood over losing - I go for a walk before speaking to my wife and this is usually enough to calm me down. I try to use my anger to motivate myself to study and improve. I am not always successful - it's too tempting to try to reverse my fortunes in yet a another game of blitz. There is no easy answer. Adam On Thu, 13 May 2004 09:22:47 -0400, "Sandy Breon" <[email protected] > wrote: >After taking a couple of months off completely from playing chess, I started >playing again this week. I've noticed that starting to play chess again has >caused a lot of stress in my daily life. I never realized it before this. >After losing an unrated game online before supper last night, it put me in a >foul mood and it affected the rest of my evening. My wife wasn't too happy >about it, either. I am very competitive, and don't take losses very well. > >More than that, when playing chess games, I feel a lot of stress, my blood >pressure increases, and it feels like I'm walking on egg shells. When I am >doing chess problems or thinking about chess, and am often tense and in a >foul mood. What I've learned from studying tai chi is that people are most >effective when they are relaxed and loose, and not full of tension. You are >also able to think more clearly. > >The question I have for anyone who has overcome this problem is this: how >does one relax when playing/studying a chess position filled with tension? >And how does one get over a painful loss? Perhaps I need chess therapy... > >Thanks, >Sandy > |
> .... how > does one relax when playing/studying a chess position filled with tension? > And how does one get over a painful loss? Perhaps I need chess therapy... 1. Play in OTB tournaments, and play up a section, against opponents stronger than you. That way you'll get used to losing, you'll have more fun when you win, you'll learn, and you'll improve. 2. Play weird openings, never before seen on land or sea, and watch your opponents squirm as they try to figure out what on earth you're doing. Bill Smythe |
rec.games.chess.misc: > 2. Play weird openings, never before seen on land or sea, and watch > your opponents squirm as they try to figure out what on earth you're > doing. I know those openings but I never encounter those opponents. -- CeeBee EMH Mark I: "Stop breathing down my neck." EMH Mark II: "My breath is merely a simulation." EMH Mark I: "So is my neck. Stop it anyway." |
news:<[email protected] >... > "Sandy Breon" wrote: > > (snipped) > > And how does one get over a painful loss? Perhaps I need chess therapy. > > 1. Play in OTB tournaments, and play up a section, against opponents > stronger than you. That way you'll get used to losing, you'll have > more fun when you win, you'll learn, and you'll improve. I have to say that if someone, almost anyone, aims to 'get used to losing', then a more economical and efficient way of doing it should be to keep playing games against one's chess computer set on its highest level. :-) > 2. Play weird openings, never before seen on land or sea, and watch your > opponents squirm as they try to figure out what on earth you're doing. But then a player could rationalise that his or her loss was *only* the inevitable outcome of that 'weird opening'. :-) --Nick |
> > "Bill Smythe" <[email protected]> wrote in message > news:<[email protected]>... > > "Sandy Breon" wrote: > > > (snipped) > > > And how does one get over a painful loss? Perhaps I need chess therapy. > > > > 1. Play in OTB tournaments, and play up a section, against opponents > > stronger than you. That way you'll get used to losing, you'll have > > more fun when you win, you'll learn, and you'll improve. > > I have to say that if someone, almost anyone, aims to 'get used to losing', > then a more economical and efficient way of doing it should be to keep > playing games against one's chess computer set on its highest level. :-) No, no.. my experience has been somewhat differes nt, in fact, - you need to reduce your 'puting level from the highest to somewhere in the middle of the ever-colourful rainbow. There, at least you have a chance - & besides it's not half as boring.. -as the 'highest', imaginable, 'puter, prescence, chess movement - after a mere 17hrs. solid think, mind you. Oh! the joys of playing chess at the highest level on your trusty pc, it beggars belief.. > > > 2. Play weird openings, never before seen on land or sea, and watch your > > opponents squirm as they try to figure out what on earth you're doing. <zznt >.. |
message news:<[email protected] >... > After taking a couple of months off completely from playing chess, I started > playing again this week. I've noticed that starting to play chess again has > caused a lot of stress in my daily life. I never realized it before this. > After losing an unrated game online before supper last night, it put me in a > foul mood and it affected the rest of my evening. My wife wasn't too happy > about it, either. I am very competitive, and don't take losses very well. Mr Breon, what you have described seems more like a general issue about your personality than just a specific issue about your chess. Would you respond similarly in other competitive situations? How ready could you be to consider adjusting your 'very competitive' personality? > More than that, when playing chess games, I feel a lot of stress, my blood > pressure increases, and it feels like I'm walking on egg shells. When I am > doing chess problems or thinking about chess, and am often tense and in a > foul mood. What I've learned from studying tai chi is that people are most > effective when they are relaxed and loose, and not full of tension. > You are also able to think more clearly. Mr Breon, do you think that your chess performances could be enhanced if you were able to take some drugs that could make you more relaxed? :-) > The question I have for anyone who has overcome this problem is this: how > does one relax when playing/studying a chess position filled with tension? I doubt that there could be a single definitive answer for everyone because not everyone has the same personality type and approach toward competition. As far as I can tell, it tends to be quite difficult for anyone to change his or her 'natural' personality. So if you happen to be "very competitive" and "don't take losses very well", then it seems to me that you should be realistic from the beginning about how much of that part of your personality that you could expect probably to change. If I were playing in a 'chess position filled with tension', then I would not expect to be fully relaxed. Yet I should concentrate on making sound decisions, within the limits of my comprehension, at the board and avoid being influenced by any emotional distractions such as a fear of embarrassment if I should lose the game. > And how does one get over a painful loss? 1) Remind yourself that every human player loses at chess, sooner or later. 2) Remind yourself that losing a chess game has little weight on the scale of human tragedy. 3) Do something else that should be more enjoyable. > Perhaps I need chess therapy. Mr Breon, it seems to me that your complaints might be related more to a general issue about your personality than just a specific issue about your playing chess. Good luck. --Nick |
message news:<[email protected] >... > After taking a couple of months off completely from playing chess, I started > playing again this week. I've noticed that starting to play chess again has > caused a lot of stress in my daily life. I never realized it before this. > After losing an unrated game online before supper last night, it put me in a > foul mood and it affected the rest of my evening. My wife wasn't too happy > about it, either. I am very competitive, and don't take losses very well. Mr Breon, what you have described seems more like a general issue about your personality than just a specific issue about your chess. Would you respond similarly in other competitive situations? How ready could you be to consider adjusting your 'very competitive' personality? > More than that, when playing chess games, I feel a lot of stress, my blood > pressure increases, and it feels like I'm walking on egg shells. When I am > doing chess problems or thinking about chess, and am often tense and in a > foul mood. What I've learned from studying tai chi is that people are most > effective when they are relaxed and loose, and not full of tension. > You are also able to think more clearly. Mr Breon, do you think that your chess performances could be enhanced if you were able to take some drugs that could make you more relaxed? :-) > The question I have for anyone who has overcome this problem is this: how > does one relax when playing/studying a chess position filled with tension? I doubt that there could be a single definitive answer for everyone because not everyone has the same personality type and approach toward competition. As far as I can tell, it tends to be quite difficult for anyone to change his or her 'natural' personality. So if you happen to be "very competitive" and "don't take losses very well", then it seems to me that you should be realistic from the beginning about how much of that part of your personality that you could expect probably to change. If I were playing in a 'chess position filled with tension', then I would not expect to be fully relaxed. Yet I should concentrate on making sound decisions, within the limits of my comprehension, at the board and avoid being influenced by any emotional distractions such as a fear of embarrassment if I should lose the game. > And how does one get over a painful loss? 1) Remind yourself that every human player loses at chess, sooner or later. 2) Remind yourself that losing a chess game has little weight on the scale of human tragedy. 3) Do something else that should be more enjoyable. > Perhaps I need chess therapy. Mr Breon, it seems to me that your complaints might be related more to a general issue about your personality than just a specific issue about your playing chess. Good luck. --Nick |
so I cannot yet tell whether this already has been posted successfully. "Sandy Breon" <[email protected] > wrote in message news:<[email protected] >... > After taking a couple of months off completely from playing chess, I started > playing again this week. I've noticed that starting to play chess again has > caused a lot of stress in my daily life. I never realized it before this. > After losing an unrated game online before supper last night, it put me in a > foul mood and it affected the rest of my evening. My wife wasn't too happy > about it, either. I am very competitive, and don't take losses very well. Mr Breon, what you have described seems more like a general issue about your personality than just a specific issue about your chess. Would you respond similarly in other competitive situations? How ready could you be to consider adjusting your 'very competitive' personality? > More than that, when playing chess games, I feel a lot of stress, my blood > pressure increases, and it feels like I'm walking on egg shells. When I am > doing chess problems or thinking about chess, and am often tense and in a > foul mood. What I've learned from studying tai chi is that people are most > effective when they are relaxed and loose, and not full of tension. > You are also able to think more clearly. Mr Breon, do you think that your chess performances could be enhanced if you were able to take some drugs that could make you more relaxed? :-) > The question I have for anyone who has overcome this problem is this: how > does one relax when playing/studying a chess position filled with tension? I doubt that there could be a single definitive answer for everyone because not everyone has the same personality type and approach toward competition. As far as I can tell, it tends to be quite difficult for anyone to change his or her 'natural' personality. So if you happen to be "very competitive" and "don't take losses very well", then it seems to me that you should be realistic from the beginning about how much of that part of your personality that you could expect probably to change. If I were playing in a 'chess position filled with tension', then I would not expect to be fully relaxed. Yet I should concentrate on making sound decisions, within the limits of my comprehension, at the board and avoid being influenced by any emotional distractions such as a fear of embarrassment if I should lose the game. > And how does one get over a painful loss? 1) Remind yourself that every human player loses at chess, sooner or later. 2) Remind yourself that losing a chess game has little weight on the scale of human tragedy. 3) Do something else that should be more enjoyable. > Perhaps I need chess therapy. Mr Breon, it seems to me that your complaints might be more related to a general issue about your personality than just a specific issue about your playing chess. Good luck. --Nick |
glory or for ego. I play chess as a hobby. If I lose it is a learning experience. Win-lose-draw, it does not matter as long as I enjoyed playing the game and I learned something from it. I also studied tai chi. As in tai chi where you practice slow deliberate movements I also prefer longer time controls in chess where I have the time to think about what I am doing. There is too much stress associated with short time controls. David "Sandy Breon" <[email protected] > wrote in message news:[email protected]... > After taking a couple of months off completely from playing chess, I started > playing again this week. I've noticed that starting to play chess again has > caused a lot of stress in my daily life. I never realized it before this. > After losing an unrated game online before supper last night, it put me in a > foul mood and it affected the rest of my evening. My wife wasn't too happy > about it, either. I am very competitive, and don't take losses very well. > > More than that, when playing chess games, I feel a lot of stress, my blood > pressure increases, and it feels like I'm walking on egg shells. When I am > doing chess problems or thinking about chess, and am often tense and in a > foul mood. What I've learned from studying tai chi is that people are most > effective when they are relaxed and loose, and not full of tension. You are > also able to think more clearly. > > The question I have for anyone who has overcome this problem is this: how > does one relax when playing/studying a chess position filled with tension? > And how does one get over a painful loss? Perhaps I need chess therapy... > > Thanks, > Sandy > > |
> > For me it is simple. I do not play chess for rating points, for money, for > glory or for ego. I play chess as a hobby. If I lose it is a learning > experience. Win-lose-draw, it does not matter as long as I enjoyed playing > the game and I learned something from it. I also studied tai chi. As in > tai chi where you practice slow deliberate movements I also prefer longer > time controls in chess where I have the time to think about what I am doing. > There is too much stress associated with short time controls. > > David > > "Sandy Breon" <[email protected]> wrote in message > news:[email protected]... > > After taking a couple of months off completely from playing chess, I > started > > playing again this week. I've noticed that starting to play chess again > has > > caused a lot of stress in my daily life. I never realized it before this. > > After losing an unrated game online before supper last night, it put me in > a > > foul mood and it affected the rest of my evening. My wife wasn't too happy > > about it, either. I am very competitive, and don't take losses very well. > > > > More than that, when playing chess games, I feel a lot of stress, my blood > > pressure increases, and it feels like I'm walking on egg shells. When I am > > doing chess problems or thinking about chess, and am often tense and in a > > foul mood. What I've learned from studying tai chi is that people are most > > effective when they are relaxed and loose, and not full of tension. You > are > > also able to think more clearly. > > > > The question I have for anyone who has overcome this problem is this: how > > does one relax when playing/studying a chess position filled with tension? > > And how does one get over a painful loss? Perhaps I need chess therapy... > > > > Thanks, > > Sandy > > > > Nonsense, stress does not exist in chess at the 'highest level' - clearly you are a patzer, hungering for some masochistic experience. You are a sick fool, pls. seek help.. |