Steven and I have been taking part in the Ford Memorial every Tuesday and I have to say that it's been a real eye opener for me. At the same time, I've also been playing at Ryde Eastwood for the Bobby Fischer Cup every Wednesday.I looked at my schedule and decided that I will try to devote more energy towards the Ford Memorial (classical time controls) while trying out new openings at Ryde Eastwood for the Cup competition (more like a shorter version of rapid but with Fischer time controls).
So far, I'm having a great deal of fun! On Tuesdays, I can sit down and devote more attention to my game while on Wednesdays, the competition is a chance for me to play for fun (very much so) with no repercussions on my results.
Tonight, I lost to Lorenzo and Lau but I'm not in the least bit upset. I think my score for the Cup competition stands like +8-4=2 or something. On the contrary, I play to have fun, and to find out what works for me and what doesn't.
All this travelling and working on my chess training has definitely taken its toll on me. As a result, I've been going more often to the gym and eating healthier food. Unfortunately, the scales didn't seem to reflect the changes I made to my diet and my exercise regime. However, I can sense there is a definite change in my body. I find that my body is relaxed and yet full of energy. In case you're wondering about the picture, no, I didn't make it, the picture is that of a barbecued atlantic salmon with cucumber-and-herb salad. Yummmm.... yes, I love eating salmon and I usually have some form of fish for a meal at least once a week. :)
Next week at the Ford Memorial, I expect to face a stiff opponent who's probably at least 400 points rated above me and I'm already mentally prepared to be squashed flat. But despite the belting I'm expected to receive, I hope to enjoy my game thoroughly.
Speaking of next week, the NSW Presentation Ceremony is upon us again. There will of course be the traditional lightning competition before the awards ceremony. I'm still not sure if I want to participate but I'll definitely bring my camera along to take some photos of the event.
I apologise if I have not been posting more of my games and tactical test questions of late. Work has also unfortunately crept up on me.
Cheers and take care.
Diet and exercise are very important for concentration and energy while playing. If I'm not working out, and eating like crap then I find myself fading during games.
ReplyDeleteThe availability of organized chess events near you makes me envious. The nearest chess club to me is 45 minutes away and they meet on a night when I work. I am happy you are enjoying the opportunities. :)
ReplyDeleteEating healty does make you lose weight. Exercise builds muscles which let you gain weight. With other words, you lost fat but the weight of the new muscles equals the fat you lost.
ReplyDeleteDont think you will lose the game beforehand. You and your opponent both have the same material on the board at the start of the game. Do your best, enjoy, play a good game.
Polly: I found just how important it was. On Tuesday, I didn't go to the gym in the morning and by evening time, my body was starved of the natural "high" that I felt uncomfortable.
ReplyDeletegreg: I am most certainly making the most of the opportunities. However, once the Ford Memorial ends, the Ryde Eastwood final round competitions will commence again. So between now and November, my schedule is full. I will have a competition nearly every week. I sincerely hope that you can find some local events near your place.
chesstiger: I never thought about that. Thanks for the information. As for losing the game beforehand... I just found out who my opponent is. I'll put up a followup blogpost about it soon. cheers and thank you.
I agree with Polly, for an example of this also see http://likesforests.blogspot.com, he regulary writes about his chess training schedule which always includes PT!
ReplyDeleteExercise and eating right are often overlooked in chess, and that while Max Euwe gave the right example; besides chess he trained in boxing!
The scales are just one thing, more like a tool, your waist, health and energy level are, in my opinion, much more important.