How to Prepare for Your First Chess Tournament – HowToChess

Episode 4 – Adult Improver Neal Bruce on How to prepare for your first tournament

Chess tournaments are a unique world, with their own written and unwritten rules. Adult Improver Extraordinaire, Neal Bruce joins Ben to share the experience of playing his first chess tournament at age 40!

With so many chess enthusiasts trying out or returning to competitive tournament chess, it is great to get some advice to keep in mind when competing.

Our three tips to make the most of your first tournament experience:

1. Focus on the process, not the result (don’t be harsh on yourself, learn from your mistakes)
2. Commit to playing more than one tournament (get comfortable with your level, enjoy playing chess)
3. Conduct yourself with grace (make friends, don’t be ashamed or upset with your results)

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