Chess anxiety?

I try not to worry much.  But sometimes I can.  Don't know of any tips but maybey play more in a more comfortable set up locally with people you know.  Gain some confidence in yourself and give a prediction before your game wether you think you will win or lose.  It's just a game, relax and have some coffee!

Sometimes it helps to think outside yourself. Imagine the other person being just as nervous, and think about it from that perspective.

Along with that, instead of anticipating a worst case scenario (which I'm sure is what's making you nervous), dive headlong into it. What if you did mess up? What if you blundered away most of your games? How would that affect things, going forward? And, to mix the two, what would you tell someone else who got nervous and blundered a tournament away?

You could try playing a tournament of your own between friends, to simulate the conditions as closely as possible... and hopefully help you to become more comfortable in that situation.

Also, just try not to worry about losing. The more games you play, the more games you will win, lose and draw. After losing enough games the sting of defeat may not be as bad. 

Does chess have anything to do with some fake anxiety you are supposed to have as to get rid of a bunch fascists at work? Does a smile of an idiot ever fade?

It's no different than any other competitive activity.

If Eli Manning is getting ready to take on a bunch of friends in his back yard in a game of touch football in April, is he going to have the same level of anxiety, nervousness, and attitude towards criticality of the game as he would on the first Sunday of February getting ready to blow away the New England Cheatriots for the third time, trying for his 3rd Superbowl Ring?

Sure, my heart beats harder and faster 3 moves before the first time control in Round 9 of the World Open on the top board than it does in a local Game/60 one-day event on a Saturday Afternoon at the local club where $100 is on the line as opposed to $14,000.

When I first went to a chess club, the director used to play tournaments, and said he no longer could because of health reasons. Playing in a tournament of chess is like running a 4 minute mile, except it is mental duress. Which is just as hard as physical duress on your body.

Don't fear losing, no one wins every game they play, who among us doesn't make an error, nor mistake. There isn't anything to fear.

If this happens to you while playing in a tournament. Excuse yourself from the board, and either go to the restroom, and splash cold water on your face, or go outside, and take some deep breathes. Get a snack, or drink some water, tea, or coffee.

Try to clear your mind. Then think, and try to visualize the board, and position. Don't move too quickly in the game, take your time.

Also when I was in drama, some people have stage fright, you can do what is listed above, and what others suggest as well, but another way is to visualize your audience in their underwear, lol. This can help release the anxiety you may feel, by realizing your audience, or opponent, is human as well.

Good luck.

They are turning this thread into a thread on cowardice, anxiety is the lie that helps them getting through.

Cowardice ? People fear all manner of things, mostly unfounded, but that doesn't make it not real to them. Its ok to be afraid, but overcoming that fear, is a mark of courage. Also you do not want fear to rule your life in anything. Its the great mind killer, that doesn't mean you should be stupid either. Remember there is nothing to fear, but fear itself. You can defeat it.

Calling fear a sense of disgust and repulsion won't change a thing.

I think you are the only one calling it those things, as well as calling someones anxiety toward something, a lie that gets them through, Whatever thats supposed to mean. A person's anxiety may be caused by factors you are unaware of, and are legitimate reasons to said person.

Simply calling it a lie, or cowardice, is not going to change their feelings. They may have to resolve deeper issues, that causes the anxiety. Not to mention many top athletes, can have nervous concerns before competing, its pretty common. They fear failure. However, losing, or failing isn't going to cost them, or a loved ones life. So what they really fear is rejection, or ridicule if they lose, or perform badly, it could also cost them their job. Now in some countries, it might could mean their, or a loved ones life. It could also mean their sponsorships, and the way they make their living.

Many sports are corrupt. The sport of boxing is a prime example. There are numerous stories about it, if you don't believe me. Not to mention, certain countries, IE...Look what happened to Spassky when he lost the title to Fischer. You may say things have changed, and that doesn't happen any more. I would think someone, that thinks that isn't living in reality.

I'm not anxious, I'm sick of it, disgusted, not that I can't play some serious chess, it's just that I should be doing something else along the way. Too much thought behind it with little or no lasting reward. I no longer care for things I can't change, it's a lost battle.

Lek thats how you overcame it. I only play chess because I enjoy it, and I have to use my mind. If I didn't enjoy it, what would be the point ?

As far as things we can't change goes, I pray for the wisdom to know when I can, and can't. So that I know the difference between them. The OP is the only one that can overcome his anxiety. I can't change that for him. Although  I may have helpful clues, and insights, that may help him. That goes for all the other posters as well.

Also others that may view this topic. Perhaps it may help someone, even if not the OP.

It's not my problem really, they were the ones calling it fear and anxiousness, not me.

You are expecting too much out of this game.

I get it only on time control games not fear of losing but being prepared to move quickly, daft I know but it's not something you can control