Back to the Board

December 11, 2021. That was the last time I played in an OTB event. It doesn't seem like it should be that long ago, but life has a way of doing that when you've got kids and a job and a list of chores from your wife. So I resolved to get back to the board in 2024. January came. January went. February's end was quickly approaching and my resolution was still just that.

While scrolling Facebook a week ago, I saw that the Springfield Chess Club was running a blitz tournament for players that were unrated or had expired USCF memberships. Seeing as I was already going to be in the area on that day, I make plans to play.

The Preparation

In the week leading up to the tournament I wanted to make sure I was as prepared as I could be with the time I had available. My first priority was to make sure I was comfortable with the time control. Playing without an increment isn't something I typically do with my online blitz games. So I played mainly 5 + 0 blitz on lichess.

I have been working through some opening repertoires on Chessable so I spent a little time just making sure things were fresh for what I was mostly likely to see. Nothing extensive or fancy since the opening isn't what decides the game.

After playing games on lichess I would run through them quickly and try to pinpoint where I thought the mistakes were before having the computer analyze it. Then I'd try to figure out why I made the mistakes so I could work on correcting them. Mostly I found that I made mistakes when I deviated from my game plan of develop and play sound moves. I also found myself not paying attention to my opponents resources and playing too fast.

The Tournament

My first three rounds went smoothly. I made sound moves. Paid attention to my clock management. Took advantage of mistakes my opponents made. Between rounds I kept myself occupied by grading science tests my students had taken earlier in the week. That way my emotions couldn't get out of check. Two birds, one stone.

In round 4 I made a potentially costly mistake. I wasn't paying attention to what my opponent was doing because I assumed my win was inevitable. In the following position I had just played ...Kg4.

My opponent extended his hand, we exchanged good games, and I assumed he was resigning. I walked to the record sheet, signed it 0-1, and heard him say "Actually it's a draw." I spun around and looked at the board. THAT'S when I saw it was stalemate! I congratulated him on a nice save and went to grade more papers before I could think too much about it.

In round 5, I went for what I thought was a simple win of my opponent's queen. Then I spotted a tactic that would allow him to win the queen back, but I'd still be up a pawn. Not quite the advantage I originally thought, but fortunately he missed the tactic. I was able to keep the material advantage and press it for a win.

I finished with 4.5/5 and won the first place prize of a year membership to the US Chess Federation.

Takeaways

My biggest takeaway from this tournament was that I forgot how fun it is to play in OTB tournaments. Especially blitz. Also...keep your wits about you. Especially if you're winning!