tips for first OTB tournament?

Later this month I'm going to be playing in my first live chess tournament. I don't pretend to be a great player (maybe not even a good one!) but I've always wanted to do this and figured, why not? I joined USCF so I could enter, and I'll be playing four games, each of which will be Game/60.

Since I'm so used to online chess (and online correspondence chess at that), I was wondering if any of you seasoned over-the-board players have any suggestions for me? I would like help with both preparation and also how to handle the day. I am completely okay with losing every game miserably...but I'd sure like to play my best chess! Maybe I can snag a win or a draw somewhere...

Thanks... 

When your opponent isn't looking take his Queen off the board.

Seriously, just do your best and have fun.

Chess is to be enjoyed!!

Before the match begins, get into a habit of daily exercise to build-up your stamina. Don't overdo sugar or caffeine early in the day, but have some near the end of the day. If you have multiple games per day, resign if you're completely lost to conserve energy... and take a break from chess between rounds, perhaps to walk around the building or block.

Don't underestimate the psychology of having someone in front of you. I had a close friend in school who was so keen on wining, that he didn't even tell me, when I forgot to advance the clock. So be prepared for nasty things like that.

The good thing was, that I knew when I had him, because then he gnawled his lips... ;-)

It is not "nasty" if an opponent chooses not to remind you to press your clock after each move. It is the responsibility of each player to remember their own clock.

Hey all, thanks so much for the comments and suggestions - all are very helpful. I am going to spend some time going over the detailed rules so that I don't make some etiquette mistakes as well.

I'll definitely let you know how it goes! I'm really looking forward to it...it's got an open section and a scholastic section, so I'll get to see lots of little ones (I think it starts at 2nd grade at this tourney) playing chess. That's one of the things I'm most excited about - what a great way to make friends, learn, and better themselves all at the same time. I hope there aren't any Mr. Waitzkin types there though - if my son decides to play chess I'll always encourage him to make sure to have fun above all else.

I played in my first OTB tourny last month. It's still the only one I've ever played in, so I don't pretend to be "seasoned," but I think you'll find it very enjoyable. My tips are, in order of importance:

-Don't relax in a won position. At some point in each game, I was comfortably winning on material, but ended up only scoring two wins, a draw and two losses. 

 -Read up on endgames. My two losses were to a 2005-rated player and a 1918 player, respectively. Both beat me in the endgame, despite one being down a rook and a pawn and the other a rook for two pawns. My draw was in a position where I had a bishop for two pawns and a good chance to convert a passer, but miscalculated. Just make sure you know how to handle basic positions.

-Be friendly and polite. I caught several opponents completely off guard by sitting down and amiably asking how they were doing. The nice thing is that after their initial shock, they were also very agreeable and I got to make small talk with three of them later in the day.

-Relax. Enjoy the chess instead of watching the scoreboard. Like someone already said, take a stroll and forget about chess for a while. It's very relaxing to walk out of that tension-packed tournament room and just go get a breath of fresh air.

 Hope you enjoy it.

1.  Be silent, only speaking to announce check or to say "good game", "draw", "I resign", or "Good luck".  Try not to intiate conversation, you can be reported to a TD.  Try not to be rude, be polite and friendly.

2.  Be wary of the "touch-move" rule.  I almost lost a game because of that rule(also my first tournament).

3.  Never discuss any games going on around you.

4.  Play a move, write it down, hit the clock.

5.  before the game, try to relax and eat some food to get some energy.  In longer tournaments, you will be gorging, trust me. 

Now for the Psychological Help, I was taught this by my coach.

1.  Sit back, it allows more air into your lungs.  Scrunched forward players do not get as much air.

2.  Avoid eye contact with the oponent.  It is possible he will be attempting to undermine you psychologically.

3.  When you have a powerful move, play it powerfully.  Meaning with more enthusiasm. 

4.  Keep your calm, emotions wear you down.  In long games, this is crucial.

5.  If you feel yourself slipping mentally or psychologically, stand up and walk around.  Clear your mind and relax during this time in order to gain a 2nd wind. 

6.  Always declare check.  With some opponents, it unsettles them.

7.  Standing up during a game can give you a better view of the board.

8.  If it is allowed, travel to your opponent's side and view the board from his side.  I find this to be very effective in psychologically messing with your opponent. 

Lastly, man, have a great first tournament! 

Good suggestions.

I would not underestimate Reb's advice to practice playing with the clock and scorepad. If you are not used to a notation style, try to pick one up now. It is not hard to learn, especially if you have been reading chess books already. Get into the habit of pressing the clock after every move and checking the clock occasionally. Don't bash the clock!

It is up to you when to resign a game, and if you are a beginner, players will tend to forgive you for playing on in a lost game. If you are playing to learn, it might not be a bad idea to play out some of your games. On the other hand, if you truly have no hope, take Likesforests' advice and use the time to clear your mind.

I am going to add a few.

Introduce yourself to the arbiter. You don't have to become buddies. Just introduce yourself.

Same goes for the players. You will not like everyone you play against. A tournament, though, is as fun and friendly as you make it. Regardless of any disagreements, shake hands before and after the game; say good luck/good game, or whatever you want. Keep it lighthearted and you will enjoy yourself much more.

Make sure you are clear on the tournament rules: how to make an appeal or voice a complaint during a game, how to do this after a game, how tiebreaks are handled, etc.

As obvious as it seems, the importance of your physical state cannot be stressed enough. Make sure you get plenty of sleep or you will perform terribly and probably enjoy yourself less. Get on a good eating schedule and drink plenty of water. You might want to bring your own water bottle as well. 

Relax, and have fun! 

Things to bring:

Scorepad and pen

USCF card

Money for any unpaid fees

Water bottle

Any chess books you want to look at between games

Maybe a book just for fun

Maybe a laptop 

Some extra cash for snacks and souvenirs 

Hope that helps!

~TO 

In response to 6

You can use this as a psychological ploy as he is suggesting, if you want to. Just know that it is seen as rude if the players are not novices.

In response to 7

Yes, don't be afraid to stand up and get some air in your lungs. This will always be allowed, and it may help you clear your head. 

Thanks to everyone for the awesome information and suggestions. I had a blast of a time. I blogged about the tourney (link is on my profile, it's in the July posts) if anyone is interested. I won 1 game and lost 3, and I was extremely happy with the fact that I won a game. I'd have been overjoyed with a draw (my expectations were very low). 2 of my losses were straightforward and never in question, while my third loss was hard-fought and was a really good game against another unrated player. I lost but at least it wasn't determined early on.

Anyway, your suggestions were spot-on. I made some dumb mistakes though, such as forgetting to hit my clock (twice) and accidentally knocking over my own king while reaching for my clock (twice). My opponents were very kind about it. I appreciated that  - and can't wait to play again!

My experience in tournament chess:

The Idaho Scholastic Chess Championship 2022! 

Nice bump