Last Updated on September 16, 2022 by Findtricks
Chess is a fantastic game that can help you develop your perspective and improve your memory. Chess is known for elevating creativity as well as helping you improve your concentration powers. There are several cases where people have been protected from diseases like dementia because they started playing chess early.
There are hundreds of benefits of this amazing game. To play the online version, you can click here.
However, playing chess is not that easy. It comes with a lot of challenges, which makes it even more enjoyable. For instance, time management is one of them. If you get into time trouble, then one wrong decision can cost you the whole point, and you can eventually lose the game.
Time Trouble can seem unfair, but the good news is that you can manage the same with the help of a few tactics. Many people suffer from time shortness because they want to play every move consciously. They invest their time to make sure that they are taking the right action. Please read on.
You can easily tame your time and form a strategy that will help you score more in this fantastic game.
Time trouble addicts
If you read blogs on chess, you would know that one of the most famous time trouble addicts is GM Alexander Grischuk. He is a great player and has been in the Top 25 of the World since January 2002. However, his addiction to time trouble is something that is often talked about in the gaming world. In the recent Candidates Tournament, he took the longest thinking times for a single move in the history of competitive chess games. If you do not want your hard work to waste, you should find a way to avoid time trouble.
Understand mental blockages behind time trouble
Many players have admitted that by controlling their mental barriers, they have successfully overcome the same. You need to understand and analyze the psychology behind the slow play. So what are the most common reasons behind this low paying? How can you solve them? Is strategizing your game enough? Let’s talk about the same.
Fear of making a wrong move
Chess is an amazing game, and apart from thinking about whether you would win or lose, you should enjoy the game. Otherwise, you will lose the essence of it! Chess increases your fluid intelligence and processing speed. So you are a winner anyway.
Instead of focusing on a move, you start thinking about what would happen if you make a wrong move. You might think that you would be missing something or mess it up. Do not calculate or overthink so much.
You have to understand that this increasing fear will eventually kill the entire reason behind playing the game: recreation. You play online chess so that you can have a fantastic time while staying at home. If you stress about it, it is horrible. Too much pressure for your heart as well!
You have to understand that this is a luxury problem, and even your perfectionist approach could lead to a mistake. Winning and losing is a part of the game. You cannot let it overpower your energy and zeal to play chess. Just trust your intuition and play your game.
Lack of focus
Time trouble can also happen due to a lack of concentration. If you don’t focus, you will lose out on a lot of time. Your mind must be wandering somewhere else, which is why you cannot give in your 100% in the game.
If you are distracted, we would advise you to play the game later on. Try to play the game in a fresh mind. If you have other engagements, you shouldn’t play it as you might have decision fatigue. We don’t suggest playing it after completing a lot of chores. Also, try to take selected breaks while playing the game.
Do not forget to eat before you start playing because if your stomach is empty, your brain will feel foggy. If it is too much for you, you can begin to meditate. This will also help you understand and control your fear and be a practical player instead of always focusing on being a perfectionist. Meditation helps in improving concentration.
Tips to avoid time trouble
- Try not to use more than 20% of your total time at the beginning of your game. If you spend too much time in the opening, you will have less time for critical movements that might appear in the middle of the game.
- If a move is forced, make it quickly. Try to develop your awareness and make sure you know where you are going wrong. This will help you manage your time effectively. Set a conscious goal for yourself to stay ahead of your opponent. Try to use your time effectively. Do not be late for the game as that means you will have lesser time.
- Also, trust your opening preparation. Do not overthink every move.
- If you are losing unnecessary time, then you should write down your time usage. After every move, jot down the time you have on the clock. This way, you can track your time usage after the game is over. Try to think on your opponent’s time so that you are at par.
- Use the 15 minutes game rule if you are going wrong every time. Try to figure out the logical move if you spend more than 15 minutes on a particular move.
Conclusion
The idea is to work on the areas you are going wrong. Try to develop a deep knowledge of your psychological barriers and use these practical tips to tackle the same. It might take some time and practice to improve the same, but it is worth it. Play free games on online platforms as much as you can to improve your time management drastically.
It is keeping minds engaged during these trying times. To know more, you can check out this blog by Forbes.