Chess Improvement
3 Tips to Not Tilt In Chess
If you have ever lost a game of chess and got frustrated, you’re not alone. If you ever lost a match and continued to play AND lost a hundred rating points, you still stand with the crowd.
Tilting has made its way into online chess culture. Chess can become addicting and a loss will effect your mindset. Continue reading and learn how to save yourself from spiraling down an endless cycle of defeat.
Tip 1: Take a Break
Of Course! I know I should, but I can’t! I must get my points back before I close the app. If I don’t get my points back now, I will never get them back.
This way of thinking is dangerous. It has constantly made me lose 50 rating points at a time. It isn’t until I take a break and come back that I find success.
- How long should my break be?
→ Your break should be long enough that when you come back you don’t play to win. What? You read that correctly. When you are losing constantly, you decide to only play to win. This will lead to failed attacks, bad sacrifices, and an opening that consists of a gambit you hardly studied. Your break should have you refreshed and ready to play to LEARN and not win.
Tip 2 : Analyze the game
To avoid taking a loss hard, look over the game. Instead of pressing play, press analyze. Why did you lose? Was it a simple opening mistake? A faulty calculation? Once you find the root of the problem you won’t jump into the next game believing that you suck. Learn from both wins and losses.
Analyzing every game directly after it concludes is the best way to keep on playing without tilting.
Tip 3: Limit Yourself
This last tip is mostly for anyone who takes chess more seriously. Limit how much you play. For those who are looking to improve their game and for those who want to avoid tilting; set a limit.
Here is an example for a player who wants to improve and not tilt.
- Play only two 30 minute rapid games a day.
Here is an example for a player who wants to have fun, but not tilt.
- Play only 8 games of any time control a day.
- Another idea is to play until you lose two in a row
It is important that whether or not you win; you do not play more than your limit. If you lose both rapid games do not play another! Have some will power and analyze the games and then put it away. Do some studying and puzzles, but do not play more. Come back tomorrow ready to learn and play your best.
At the end of the day, the worst you can be is down 16 points.
Use these 3 tips and save your ELO!
