Need tips to stop playing speed chess.

All Things Chess
1

So I’m studying chess, but when I play, I’ll pick a languid time, say 20+10 or even 30+15 on the internet.

Problem is I’m so used to playing 10 minute chess over the years, I can’t seem to actually slow down.

On my first 30+15, I think I ended up with 34 minutes on the clock. Heh. So I could use some tips on slowing down and actually using the stuff I’m learning.

Then again, the book I’m using will mention how long it took a GM to actually find the best line (in a middle game for the book I’m going through)… One interesting example: the GM spent 20 minutes before he found the best line. So that too… :laughing: :laughing: :exclamation:

2

Just stop it. :slight_smile:

3

Players used to be able to record the time after each move, I’m not sure if that is still permitted. Writing down the time may help you think about how fast you’re moving.

4

Writing move times down is permitted.

5

Unless you only write them down on possible threefold position moves. Then you have yourself a gray area. :slight_smile:

6

I’m assuming you are talking about over the board.

Every now and then get up and walk away from the board.

I know some are against eating at the board, but years ago to slow myself down I would eat a sweettart candy before making my move. It got kind of nauseous after a bit.

Being aware that you need to slow down is half the problem.

Ask yourself what your opponent will do after your move before you actually make the move.

You could set a time, say 15 seconds that you would always wait before making your move. (at least until you get in time pressure)

Eventually you won’t need the crutches.

7

It appears you haven’t played rated OTB since 1994. That’s your problem right there. You’ve become an online-head.

Play OTB. That way, you can see how slowly others play, and you’ll get back into the groove.

Bill Smythe

8

Actually, no gray area there - clock times are permitted markings.

(After weeks of therapy, I had almost forgotten about that 20C thread. Thanks a lot. :stuck_out_tongue:)

9

Actually, I was talking about internet play, which is 99% of what I play on. When I do occasionally go to the local chess meet, they all play 5 to 10 minute chess. Or I’m playing mostly younger (most of the kids are 10 or under currently) at the chess meet, without any real challenge.

For whatever reason, the county chess club seemed to attract a younger crowd as of late. Most likely due to the winter weather in which parents are desperate to find distractions for their kids.

I did think of something though… I typed up all the tips and “rules of thumb” the book mentions, so I’ll double check those rules whenever I get to a position where there isn’t an obvious reply.

-Example rule of thumb in the book: “When in a closed position with rooks, pawn breaks occur on the wings.”

10

Um, isn’t it illegal to read or use written materials when you are playing? You might as well use a computer to play your moves.

11

20B. Use of recorded matter prohibited.
During play, players are forbidden to make use of handwritten, printed, or otherwise recorded matter. While the penalty is at the discretion of the director, a forfeit loss is usually ruled if the material is relevant to the game, while a lesser penalty or warning is common otherwise.

20E. Soliciting or using advice prohibited.
During play the players are forbidden to make use of any notes, sources of information or advice (solicited or not), or analyze on another chessboard. See also 1C2, Director discretion; 21K, Use of director’s power; and 20N, Electronic communication devices.