Stuck

Sometimes when I play, I get in the mood. I can read my opponent, and the game is a book. Well, whatever works for you. But other times, I only see one move ahead and I most likely end up losing my queen and rook. How do I break the barrier and focus my full attention on the game? It would really help to have that ability.

Go to bed early and eat your vegetables.

Haha. But I go to tournies and stay up late the night before but I can still play well.

It might be funny, but this is actually one of those few times when I decide to make a serious and useful forum comment.

Ah, well. Boy who cried wolf.

If you can determine whether you're in the chess-playing frame of mind: then only play pausable games and don't go near the board unless you're in the zone.

I never thought about that. You know right after I posted that, I expected someone, seeing that this is a chess site, to quote Kakashi Sensei from Naruto.

"I wasn't ready!"

-Naruto

"Well then get ready!"... And then something about becoming a great ninja.

-Kakashi