How to Handle Tournament Nerves Like a Chess Pro

Feeling nervous before a chess tournament is completely normal. Whether it’s your first tournament or your hundredth, that rush of adrenaline is something even the best players experience. The key to performing well under pressure isn’t about getting rid of nerves completely, but learning how to handle them effectively.

Understanding Tournament Nerves

The first step in handling nerves is understanding why they happen in the first place. Tournament nerves often come from the fear of losing, the pressure to perform well, or the unfamiliar environment of a competitive setting.

For many players, the idea of making mistakes in front of others can feel overwhelming.

But here’s the thing: nerves are a natural reaction. In fact, they show that you care about the game and want to perform well. Instead of seeing nerves as a negative, it’s important to reframe them as a sign that you’re alert and ready.

The goal is to channel this energy into something positive, rather than letting it distract you or cause you to make rushed decisions.

Why Even Chess Pros Get Nervous

Even grandmasters get nervous before big games. Top players like Magnus Carlsen, Garry Kasparov, and Hikaru Nakamura have all spoken about the pressure they feel before major tournaments.

The difference is that they’ve developed the mental toughness to handle it. They know how to use those pre-game jitters to stay focused, think clearly, and make better decisions.

For example, Magnus Carlsen has often talked about how nervous he gets before important matches, but he views those nerves as a form of excitement. Instead of seeing them as a problem, he embraces them and uses that energy to stay sharp.

The Role of Adrenaline

When you feel nervous, your body releases adrenaline. This is your body’s way of preparing you for a challenge. It makes your heart beat faster, sharpens your senses, and gives you a burst of energy.

While this can be helpful, too much adrenaline can make you feel jittery or cause you to rush your decisions. The key is learning how to balance this energy, so you can stay focused without feeling overwhelmed.

Strategies to Stay Calm Before the Tournament

Handling tournament nerves begins before you even sit down to play. How you prepare leading up to the event plays a huge role in how calm and focused you’ll feel once the games begin.

Many chess pros use simple, effective routines to mentally and physically prepare for the challenges ahead.

Create a Pre-Tournament Routine

One of the best ways to combat anxiety is to establish a pre-tournament routine. Routines give you a sense of control, helping you focus your mind and settle your nerves.

Your routine doesn’t have to be complicated—just something that helps you feel centered before the tournament starts.

For example, some players like to arrive early at the venue, find their board, and get familiar with the surroundings. Others might review their favorite opening lines or spend a few minutes solving easy chess puzzles to warm up their brain.

The idea is to do something calming and familiar, so you’re not thinking about the pressure of the tournament, but rather easing into the day.

Physical Preparation Matters

It’s easy to forget that chess is both a mental and physical game. Long games can be exhausting, and the better you feel physically, the sharper your mind will be.

Pros know the importance of staying hydrated, eating the right food, and getting enough sleep before a tournament.

Eat a healthy meal before your games, but avoid anything too heavy. A meal rich in complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fruits is ideal—it keeps your energy up without making you feel sluggish. Staying hydrated is also key.

Bring a water bottle with you, and sip on it between moves or during breaks. Dehydration can make you feel more anxious and tired, which can lead to poor decision-making.

Visualization and Mental Rehearsal

Visualization is a technique many top chess players use to prepare mentally. Before the tournament, take a few minutes to close your eyes and imagine yourself playing your best chess. Picture yourself making strong moves, staying calm, and focusing through difficult positions.

This kind of mental rehearsal helps train your mind to stay focused under pressure.

For instance, Garry Kasparov has spoken about using visualization as part of his pre-game preparation. By mentally rehearsing different scenarios, he reduces the fear of the unknown and is better prepared for whatever his opponent might throw at him.

You don’t have to visualize every move, but picturing yourself staying composed and confident can help ease anxiety.

Breathe and Relax

Before the tournament starts, take a moment to focus on your breathing. Deep, slow breaths help calm your body and reduce the symptoms of anxiety. If you’re feeling especially nervous, try inhaling slowly through your nose for a count of four, holding for four seconds, and then exhaling through your mouth for four seconds.

Repeat this a few times. This simple breathing exercise can lower your heart rate and help you regain focus.

Many chess pros use breathing techniques to calm their nerves before or even during games. In moments of stress, focusing on your breath can clear your mind and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.

How to Stay Focused During the Game

Once the tournament starts, staying focused is crucial. Nerves can cause you to overthink, make hasty decisions, or get distracted.

However, by employing a few techniques, you can stay calm, focus on the board, and play your best chess.

Stick to Your Opening Repertoire

One of the best ways to settle your nerves early in a game is to stick to openings that you’re comfortable with. Tournament pressure can make you feel like you need to try something new or complicated, but that’s rarely a good idea.

Instead, play openings you’ve practiced and know well. This helps you feel more in control and keeps you from getting thrown off by unexpected moves.

Top players like Magnus Carlsen often emphasize the importance of sticking to openings you know well in high-pressure games. By starting the game with familiar moves, you reduce the chance of falling into an uncomfortable position early on.

The more comfortable you are with your opening, the more confident you’ll feel as the game progresses.

Take Your Time, But Don’t Overthink

It’s easy to feel rushed when the clock is ticking, but one of the worst things you can do is play too quickly out of nervousness. Hasty moves lead to mistakes. On the other hand, overthinking each move can also lead to time trouble later in the game.

The trick is to find a balance. After each of your opponent’s moves, take a few seconds to breathe and process the position. Don’t make an immediate move unless it’s obvious.

Give yourself time to consider all your options, but don’t overanalyze every single move. The goal is to keep a steady pace and stay calm, even when you’re under time pressure.

Stay in the Present Moment

One of the main reasons players get nervous during games is thinking too much about the future—worrying about losing, missing a move, or messing up in front of others.

This kind of thinking pulls your mind away from the board and distracts you from the task at hand.

Chess pros have learned to stay in the present moment, focusing only on the current position and their next move. They don’t worry about winning or losing; they just focus on playing the best moves they can.

This kind of focus is what allows players to maintain composure, even in difficult positions.

If you catch yourself worrying about the outcome, gently bring your focus back to the board. Remind yourself that the only thing that matters right now is the position in front of you. Keep your mind engaged in the game, and the rest will take care of itself.

Handling Stress During Critical Moments

In every chess game, there are critical moments—positions where one move can determine the entire outcome of the game. It’s in these moments that tournament nerves tend to peak, and players often make the biggest mistakes.

Whether you’re in time pressure or faced with a difficult decision, learning to manage stress during these moments can be the difference between winning and losing.

Recognize the Critical Moment

One of the most important skills in chess is recognizing when a position has reached a critical point. A critical moment might be when your opponent has launched a strong attack, when you have an opportunity for a decisive tactic, or when the position becomes highly complex.

When you recognize that the position is critical, it’s essential to slow down and focus. Take a deep breath, remind yourself that you’ve been in tough spots before, and give yourself permission to think things through.

These are the moments where it’s worth spending extra time on calculation, especially if the game could swing in either direction.

Chess grandmasters often take a lot of time during these moments, even under time pressure. Rather than panicking, they approach the position calmly, calculating deeply to avoid blunders.

Staying composed in these critical moments is a hallmark of top-level play.

Avoid Panic in Time Trouble

Time trouble is one of the biggest sources of anxiety in tournament chess. When you see the clock ticking down and you have only a few minutes left, it’s natural to feel a surge of panic.

But time trouble doesn’t have to mean disaster.

One key tactic in handling time trouble is simplifying the position. If the position is complicated, consider trading pieces or simplifying the game to something more manageable.

This reduces the complexity and decreases the chances of making a blunder. Many experienced players do this automatically when they’re low on time because it helps them focus on key ideas rather than calculating multiple variations.

Another important point is to trust your intuition. In time trouble, you won’t have enough time to calculate every variation thoroughly. This is where your intuition comes into play—trust the patterns you’ve practiced, and go with your gut.

While it’s important not to rush, playing confidently and intuitively in time pressure can help you avoid unnecessary blunders.

Focus on Your Opponent’s Time Pressure

If you’re not the one in time trouble, but your opponent is, stay calm and focused. Many players make the mistake of playing too quickly when their opponent is low on time, which can lead to mistakes.

Instead, use your time wisely, continue making solid moves, and let your opponent’s clock become their problem.

In situations where your opponent is running out of time, try to keep the position complicated. Avoid simplifying into an easy endgame, and instead, maintain tension on the board.

This increases the chances that your opponent will make a mistake under time pressure.

Grandmasters are often known for making their opponents uncomfortable in time trouble, continuing to apply pressure until their opponents crack. Even if you’re in a difficult position, keeping a sharp eye on the clock can sometimes help you turn things around.

Managing Your Emotions After a Loss

Every chess player, no matter how strong, experiences losses. In fact, losing is part of learning. However, how you handle a loss can make a big difference in your mental state for the rest of the tournament.

Tournament nerves often increase after a loss, especially if you feel you made a big mistake or missed a winning move. Learning how to recover mentally is a critical skill in becoming a stronger player.

Don’t Dwell on Mistakes

It’s easy to get stuck thinking about what went wrong in a game, replaying your mistakes in your head over and over. But dwelling on a loss can affect your performance in the next game, leading to a chain reaction of poor results.

Instead of obsessing over the mistake, try to learn from it without getting overly emotional. Acknowledge what happened, figure out what went wrong, and then mentally move on. There’s no need to beat yourself up over a single game.

Even the best players in the world lose games and make mistakes. What separates strong players from the rest is their ability to bounce back after a loss.

Take a Break and Clear Your Head

After a loss, it’s important to reset your mind before the next round. Take a short walk, get some fresh air, or grab a snack to help clear your head.

The goal is to shift your focus away from the previous game and approach the next one with a fresh mindset.

You might also want to use this time to reflect on something positive. Maybe there was a moment in the game where you played a brilliant move, or maybe you fought hard in a difficult position.

Recognizing your strengths can help you regain your confidence before the next round.

Reframe Your Perspective

Losses can feel painful, but they’re an inevitable part of chess improvement. Reframing how you see losses can help you build mental resilience. Instead of viewing a loss as a failure, try to see it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Every loss teaches you something valuable about your playstyle, your weaknesses, and how to handle tough positions.

Chess champions like Garry Kasparov and Magnus Carlsen have all spoken about how they’ve learned more from their losses than from their wins. By viewing each loss as a step toward becoming a stronger player, you can turn a negative experience into a positive one.

At Global School of Chess, we often encourage our students to review their losses with a coach. This helps take the sting out of defeat and provides practical ways to improve. The key is to shift your focus from the emotional response to the learning opportunity.

Building Long-Term Mental Toughness

Handling tournament nerves isn’t just about what you do before or during one event—it’s also about building long-term mental toughness that will help you over the course of your chess career.

Handling tournament nerves isn’t just about what you do before or during one event—it’s also about building long-term mental toughness that will help you over the course of your chess career.

Mental strength comes from practice, experience, and the ability to stay calm under pressure, no matter how many tournaments you play.

Play More Tournaments

The more tournaments you play, the more comfortable you’ll become with handling nerves. Experience is the best teacher when it comes to building mental toughness.

Each tournament gives you the chance to practice staying calm, managing time pressure, and handling losses.

By playing regularly, you’ll start to develop routines and strategies that work for you. Over time, your brain will adapt to the pressure of competition, and you’ll feel more at ease, even in high-stress situations.

Focus on Personal Growth, Not Just Results

It’s easy to get caught up in tournament results, focusing only on your rating or whether you won or lost a particular game. But in the long run, the players who succeed are those who focus on personal growth rather than immediate results.

When you approach each tournament as a learning experience, you relieve some of the pressure to perform perfectly.

You’ll naturally start to feel less anxious because you’re no longer obsessed with winning every game. Instead, you’ll focus on what matters most—improving your chess and enjoying the game.

Develop a Growth Mindset

The best chess players in the world have what’s called a “growth mindset“—the belief that abilities can be developed through hard work, learning, and persistence.

With this mindset, even setbacks are seen as opportunities to grow. By developing a growth mindset, you’ll be able to handle tournament nerves much more effectively.

When you believe that every challenge is an opportunity to improve, nerves will no longer feel like something negative. Instead, they become part of the learning process, helping you sharpen your focus and improve your game.

Develop a Pre-Game Mental Routine

One of the most effective ways to handle tournament nerves is to develop a mental routine that you use before each game. This routine helps you calm your mind, block out distractions, and get into the right mindset before you sit down at the board.

Over time, having a consistent routine can train your brain to associate those actions with feeling calm and focused, making it easier to settle your nerves before each game.

Visualization: Mentally Rehearse Your Game

Visualization is a powerful tool that many chess pros use to reduce anxiety and prepare for competition. Before a game, take a few minutes to close your eyes and imagine yourself playing a strong game.

Picture yourself making calm, confident decisions, staying focused, and handling difficult positions without stress.

In your visualization, try to imagine not only your best moves but also how you will handle challenges. Visualize how you will stay calm if you make a mistake or how you’ll breathe deeply and refocus when the game becomes tense.

This mental rehearsal prepares you for the emotions you might feel during the game and gives you a mental plan for handling them.

Visualization also helps you enter the game with a positive mindset. Instead of worrying about what might go wrong, you’ll be priming your mind to focus on what you can control—your moves, your decisions, and your ability to stay composed.

Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

Nervousness often makes your heart race, and when you’re sitting across from an opponent, that physical sensation can make you feel even more anxious. One of the simplest ways to counteract this is through deep breathing exercises.

Before the game starts, and even during the game if you feel tension building, take a few deep breaths to slow down your heart rate. Try to breathe in through your nose for a count of four, hold your breath for a moment, and then exhale slowly through your mouth for another count of four.

Repeat this process until you feel a sense of calm.

Relaxation techniques like this help take your mind off the nerves and bring you back to the present moment. They reduce the physical effects of anxiety, making it easier to stay composed during tense situations.

Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome

Many players get nervous because they focus too much on the outcome of the game. Thoughts like “What if I lose?” or “What if I make a huge mistake?” can easily distract you from playing your best.

The key to staying calm is to shift your focus from the outcome of the game to the process of playing.

When you sit down to play, remind yourself that your goal is to play the best chess you can, one move at a time.

Don’t think about winning or losing—just focus on making good decisions and staying engaged in the game. By concentrating on the process, you free yourself from the pressure of the result.

This is something top players emphasize in their mindset. For example, former world champion Vishy Anand has spoken about how he tries to “take the game one move at a time” and not worry about what might happen in the future.

This kind of focus on the present moment is essential for handling nerves and playing consistently well.

Learning from Tournament Experience

No matter how many strategies you use, it’s normal to feel some nerves during a tournament, especially if it’s your first time competing or if you’re playing against stronger opponents.

The good news is that every tournament, win or lose, is an opportunity to grow and improve—not just in terms of chess skills, but in how you handle pressure.

Take a free trial class at Global School of Chess.

Treat Each Game as a Learning Experience

Even if a game doesn’t go your way, remember that every tournament game provides valuable lessons. Whether you blundered early, lost on time, or made an impressive comeback, every result teaches you something about your strengths and weaknesses.

After each game, take some time to reflect. What went well? What could you have done differently? Did nerves play a role in your decision-making?

By reviewing your games and thinking critically about your choices, you’ll gradually become more comfortable with high-pressure situations.

In fact, some of the greatest lessons in chess come from losses.

Top players like Garry Kasparov and Magnus Carlsen have both spoken about how their toughest losses taught them the most about their game. By shifting your perspective to see each game as a learning opportunity, you’ll be able to handle tournament nerves more gracefully.

Keep a Positive Mindset

A big part of managing tournament anxiety is maintaining a positive mindset, even after tough losses.

Chess is a game of ups and downs, and no one wins every game. What’s important is that you keep pushing forward, learning from your mistakes, and staying motivated.

If you lose a game, don’t dwell on it for too long. Take a short break, clear your mind, and refocus for the next round. Remember that every game is a fresh start, and your previous result doesn’t determine your future performance.

Top players have a short memory when it comes to losses—they move on quickly and focus on the next challenge.

Build Resilience Over Time

Mental toughness isn’t something that develops overnight—it’s built through experience. The more tournaments you play, the more resilient you’ll become.

Each tournament helps you build confidence, learn how to handle nerves, and improve your ability to focus under pressure.

As you gain more experience, you’ll notice that your nerves start to fade. You’ll develop mental routines that work for you, find ways to manage time pressure, and become more comfortable with the highs and lows of competition.

Over time, what once seemed intimidating will become second nature.

At Global School of Chess, we encourage our students to embrace the learning process that comes with tournament play. Each tournament, no matter the result, is a stepping stone toward becoming a stronger, more confident chess player.

Support Systems: Leaning on Coaches and Mentors

One of the best ways to manage tournament nerves is by seeking guidance from a coach or mentor. Having someone experienced to talk to before or after a game can help you feel more grounded and confident.

Coaches can provide valuable insights, not just in terms of strategy but also in handling the emotional and mental aspects of competitive chess.

Seek Feedback After Tough Games

After a difficult game, it can be helpful to discuss the game with your coach or a more experienced player. They can help you break down the key moments and offer advice on how to improve your game.

Sometimes, just talking through your thought process with someone else can help ease the frustration of a loss and give you a clearer path forward.

For example, if you were nervous during a critical moment, your coach might help you identify better ways to handle pressure in future games. By having someone who understands your chess journey, you’ll feel supported and motivated, even after challenging rounds.

Build a Supportive Network

Having a network of fellow chess players, whether online or in person, can also help alleviate some of the pressure of tournaments.

When you surround yourself with people who share your passion for chess, you create a positive environment where you can talk about your experiences, share your struggles, and celebrate your successes.

At Global School of Chess, we emphasize the importance of community and support. We believe that the journey of becoming a better chess player is made easier and more enjoyable when you have others by your side, cheering you on and helping you grow.

Maintaining Physical and Mental Well-being During Tournaments

Chess is a mental game, but your physical state can play a huge role in how well you perform. Long tournaments can be physically and mentally exhausting, especially when you’re playing multiple rounds in a single day.

If you neglect your body and mind, it can be harder to stay focused and control your nerves. That’s why top chess players prioritize their overall well-being, knowing that it can directly impact their performance.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Smart

Hydration and nutrition are key factors that can affect your energy levels and concentration. A dehydrated body means a sluggish mind, and low energy can make it harder to think clearly during intense games.

Make sure you drink water consistently throughout the day, even between rounds. A water bottle at your side during the game helps too—just take small sips during moments of reflection.

In terms of food, what you eat before and during the tournament can impact how you feel, both physically and mentally. Avoid heavy, greasy meals that will make you feel tired or sluggish.

Instead, go for light, healthy snacks that keep your energy up without giving you a sugar crash. Snacks like fruits, nuts, and granola bars are great options.

Eating small, balanced meals with complex carbohydrates and proteins—such as a sandwich with whole grain bread or a salad with chicken—helps you stay energized for longer periods. Chess requires a lot of brainpower, so fueling your body properly can give you a mental edge and keep tournament nerves in check.

Get Enough Sleep Before the Tournament

One of the most common mistakes chess players make is staying up late the night before a tournament, either practicing openings or going over different lines. While studying is important, it’s equally crucial to get enough sleep.

A well-rested mind is sharper, more focused, and better equipped to handle the mental demands of tournament play.

In contrast, if you’re sleep-deprived, your decision-making ability and concentration will suffer, making it harder to stay calm during stressful moments. Try to get a good night’s sleep in the days leading up to the tournament, especially the night before.

A rested brain is more resilient and better able to manage nerves during high-pressure situations.

Many top players talk about how they prioritize rest and sleep before a big event. For example, Fabiano Caruana, an elite grandmaster, has spoken about how he tries to get plenty of sleep during tournaments to ensure he can perform at his peak. Sleep is the ultimate recovery tool for your mind.

Take Breaks Between Rounds

Chess tournaments often involve several rounds in one day, and the mental fatigue can add up. Between rounds, it’s important to take a break, step away from the chessboard, and reset your mind.

Taking a short walk, stretching, or simply getting some fresh air can help clear your head and reduce any lingering anxiety from the previous game.

Avoid over-analyzing your past games between rounds, especially if the game didn’t go well. While a quick review can be helpful, spending too much time thinking about what went wrong can negatively impact your mindset for the next game.

Instead, focus on relaxing, staying positive, and preparing mentally for the next round.

Breaks between rounds are a perfect time to recharge mentally and physically. Even elite players take breaks to refresh their minds, knowing that mental endurance is key for performing well across multiple games in a day.

Use Physical Exercise to Reduce Stress

It might sound surprising, but physical exercise plays a big role in helping chess players manage tournament stress. Engaging in regular physical activity, whether it’s going for a jog, stretching, or doing yoga, can help reduce anxiety, improve focus, and increase your stamina for longer tournaments.

Exercise helps release endorphins—chemicals in the brain that naturally reduce stress and help you feel more relaxed.

Many top chess players incorporate physical exercise into their daily routines. For example, Magnus Carlsen, the reigning World Chess Champion, is known for his commitment to physical fitness.

He regularly engages in activities like soccer, basketball, and hiking, which help him stay physically fit and mentally sharp for his demanding chess schedule.

In the days leading up to the tournament, a simple walk or light exercise can help calm your nerves and boost your confidence. Even during the tournament, if you feel tense between rounds, taking a short walk can help lower your stress levels and improve your focus.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset

A key aspect of handling tournament nerves like a pro is developing a "growth mindset"—the belief that your abilities and skills can be developed through hard work, practice, and learning from mistakes.

A key aspect of handling tournament nerves like a pro is developing a “growth mindset”—the belief that your abilities and skills can be developed through hard work, practice, and learning from mistakes.

Players with a growth mindset view challenges, failures, and setbacks as opportunities to grow, rather than reasons to feel discouraged. This approach can help you manage stress and keep tournament anxiety from overwhelming you.

Embrace Mistakes as Learning Opportunities

In chess, mistakes are inevitable, especially in tournament settings where the pressure is higher. However, rather than seeing mistakes as failures, try to view them as learning experiences.

Every blunder or miscalculation teaches you something about your game—whether it’s a tactical oversight or a misjudged endgame.

The key is to avoid getting emotionally attached to your mistakes. After a loss, instead of beating yourself up, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?”

By focusing on the lessons that each mistake offers, you’ll not only improve as a player but also develop the resilience needed to handle future tournament nerves.

Many of the world’s greatest players attribute their success to their ability to learn from mistakes. Garry Kasparov, one of the greatest chess players in history, famously said, “I learned much more from losing than from winning.” This mindset allowed him to continue improving throughout his career, even after tough losses.

Celebrate Small Wins and Personal Progress

Tournament success isn’t just about winning trophies or gaining rating points. It’s also about recognizing and celebrating personal progress.

Each time you manage your nerves better, make a strong move under pressure, or avoid a hasty decision, you’re growing as a player.

Instead of only focusing on the final result, take pride in the small victories along the way. Did you handle a difficult position better than before? Did you stay calm in time trouble?

These are personal wins that indicate growth, and they’re just as important as the outcome of the tournament.

By focusing on your personal improvement rather than just the result of each game, you’ll reduce the pressure you place on yourself. This approach makes it easier to enjoy the process of playing and learning, which naturally helps lower tournament anxiety.

Develop Long-Term Goals

A great way to keep tournament nerves in check is to develop long-term chess goals. When you focus on long-term improvement, rather than short-term results, each tournament becomes part of a bigger journey.

This perspective takes some of the pressure off because you’re no longer hyper-focused on winning each game—you’re thinking about how every tournament contributes to your overall development as a player.

Your long-term goals might include improving your opening repertoire, sharpening your endgame skills, or becoming more comfortable in time pressure situations. When you see tournaments as opportunities to work on these long-term goals, you’ll feel less nervous and more excited to put your training to the test.

Many professional players use this approach to stay motivated and calm. For instance, Fabiano Caruana, a top American grandmaster, often talks about how he focuses on steady improvement, knowing that chess mastery is a long-term process.

Final Thoughts on Handling Tournament Nerves Like a Chess Pro

Handling nerves in a chess tournament isn’t about eliminating anxiety but learning how to manage it effectively. With the right mindset and practical strategies, you can turn nervous energy into focus and confidence. Here are some final takeaways to help you approach your next tournament like a seasoned pro.

Accept That Nerves Are Normal

Feeling nervous before or during a tournament is natural and something even the best players experience. Instead of fighting those nerves, accept them and focus on channeling that energy into your gameplay.

Nerves show that you care about the game and are ready to perform.

Use Preparation to Build Confidence

Proper preparation is one of the best ways to calm tournament nerves. Review your openings, practice critical tactics, and visualize success. When you know you’ve put in the work, you’ll feel more confident and ready to face any opponent.

Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome

Instead of stressing over the result of each game, concentrate on playing good moves and making solid decisions. By focusing on the process, you’ll be able to stay calm and in control, no matter how the game unfolds.

Take a free trial class at Global School of Chess.

Take Care of Your Mind and Body

Your physical and mental well-being play a big role in how you handle tournament stress. Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, eat light, healthy snacks, and take breaks between rounds. A healthy body supports a sharp mind.

Learn from Every Game

Whether you win or lose, each game offers valuable lessons. Instead of dwelling on mistakes, view them as opportunities to improve. With a growth mindset, you’ll handle pressure better and become a stronger player over time.

Enjoy the Journey

Finally, remember that chess is a journey. Each tournament is a stepping stone toward improvement. Enjoy the process of learning and growing as a player, and let that passion drive you forward.

The more you embrace the game, the less intimidating tournament pressure will feel.

Wrapping it up

Handling tournament nerves like a chess pro is about preparation, mindset, and self-care. Nerves are natural, but by focusing on your preparation, staying in the moment, and taking care of your physical and mental well-being, you can manage them effectively. Each tournament is a learning opportunity, and with practice, you’ll become more resilient and confident under pressure.

At Global School of Chess, we’re dedicated to helping you develop these skills and more, so you can approach every game with calm and confidence. Remember, enjoy the journey, keep learning, and let your passion for chess drive you forward!

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