Nerves with playing OTB chess

Hi everyone!

I happen to have the following problem when I play rated games on the board:   I get really nervous when winning! Does anyone have some good tips to lose this feeling? 

It sucks, two weeks ago I was a queen up in a game and still managed to lose 

it because of my nerves (had completely winning position).

Time.... If a typical otb game is two hours, an average of 40 moves, the average time per moves is what, 3 minutes? Here in live chess the longest game 1 hour, you have a minute and a half for each move on average. A fast opening will give you a bit more later in the game. Use the clock and forget about your nerves. Think about why they moved there for a bit then think about what you need or want to do. Stay focused the entire game on time management so that you have the time to make the smart moves rather than being worried about winning. I've spoken publicly for years, competed at high levels in sport on a public stage and can tell you everyone gets the panic feelings at some point. I simply pause, look around and say to myself... "Man does it ever feel good to be alive!" You get one life. Enjoy all the moments and let the clock be your friend. "You have time to find the next right move". There is no rush, just play...

Good honest post about a very common tendency.  As in poker, the release of tension occurs when it is in the bag.  In cards, when you see someone across from you shaking they prolly got it; when they are calm, it's a bluff.  What's that got to do with chess?  Creation causes deflation, and the release of tension you had worked yourself into is dissipating, which takes time to release.  Definitely water and walking (to a coffeeshop) help, though how to overcome it and how long it takes it is idiosyncratic. 

My idea is to go Karpov-style and let your clock tick to the near end; i.e. utilize every last second you are given, double, triple checking to prevent counterattacks.  When you've got an hour left; use it all.  If you're poised to win; no rushing around about it; put it on simmer and let him squirm.  Most of us can play a whole game in 5 min blitz, so really consider letting that clock run.  Moreover, since 2/3s of it is not losing (win, draw), work mainly to prevent his counterattacking options. 

I feel that aside from dealing with loss, winning the "won" game is the most difficult task is chess, for sometimes playing as attacker is tougher since there are so many good choices, while the defense might have only one saving move each turn.  Therefore the pace becomes imabalanced as he moves faster, putting psychological pressure on the attacker to speed up play to remain equal in time.  You must give to receive and to be on the initiative means concessions in other areas, such as perhaps the clock.  Resist these temptations and let it all simmer. 

I too, frequently get nervous when playing OTB. Here are three suggestions to relieve anxiety:

1) Wear warm clothing, such as a jacket or sweater. This will help the "shivering" aspect of your problem.

2) Blow on your thumb. I forgot the exact science reasoning for why this works, but it WILL help you calm down.

3) As other members are saying, take a deep breath, try to clear your mind, and take a casual stroll around the tables.

Cheers!

Thanks for the responses, I think they will be very helpfull, I dont use a lot of my time as well... (mostly I play 100 min otb chess and alot of games barely used half of the time). 

Let's see where my karpov habits will lead me too!

It's hard though, on the verge of winning every move is more 

important, maybe that I've already won mentality stops me psychologically.

Anyone else got some tips?

Drink a few beers during the game.

Yeah that makes me careless probably.

I find that often the problem with nerves isn't the nerves themselves, it's that you can very quickly exhaust yourself mentally, which leads to blunders.

If you're playing a 100 minute game and you've only used half of your time, then you've got time to take a proper break. Stand up, stretch, get a cup of coffee, even go for a quick run outside if the TO will let you. Then come back after a few minutes with fresh eyes.

During my opponent's time, I like to close my eyes, control my breathing (deep slow breath through my nose, fill my abdominal area with air, and I let it out slowly through pursed lips), and just relax physically (releasing muscular tension from head to foot with feet flat on the ground, hands on lap).  If my opponent is belting out moves quickly, then I just use up a little of my own time to relax (maybe a minute tops).

Breathing is the only autonomic process we can consciously control...I think.  I find it leaves me refreshed, relaxed, and calm.

Excellent explanation of the breathing techniques.

Thanks for the tips! I'm sure to try some breathing techniques it out in an OTB tournament this thursday.

Also I've been reading the art of learning where Josh waitzkin explains how you can train yourself to come into the zone (present mind on the board, flow) and I will try those out too!

I think talking a walking around the tables is a good idea. 

Another excellent book.  Easy reading.  Highly recommend it, except for some gross wrestling injuries. (*ugh*)

I tried to become more relaxed in my OTB games but it's still hard to lose that nervous feeling. Maybe it's also becomes my games are pretty violent, I almost never draw. So it's pretty intense. I'm a little bit more relaxed and that gave me wins over an 1800 and 1500 rated player.

I know this feeling very well. Best thing is to get up and go away of the board for a moment, a bit of fresh air is always good and take a few deep breaths.

I use cardiovascular exercises and heavy strength training the day before to get my nervous energy out.  During the actual game, I'll get up and do stretching exercises to loosen up and relax.

A word of caution, though, I am accustomed to working out 6 days a week so if someone hasn't been regulary exercising you should beware of injuries.