Improvement Intermediate

Chess Tournament Handbook

Tournament chess is a different experience from online play. This complete handbook covers everything: preparation, etiquette, time management, between-round recovery, and practical tips.

Before

  1. Review your opening repertoire.
  2. Pack: clock, pen, notation pad, water, snacks.
  3. Sleep 8 hours.
  4. Warm up with puzzles.
  5. Check the pairings and review your opponent's games if possible.

During

  1. Shake hands.
  2. Start the clock.
  3. Use your thinking process.
  4. Record every move.
  5. Manage your time: spend more on critical moments, less on routine moves.
  6. Stay calm after mistakes, recovery is possible.

Between rounds

  1. Don't obsess over your last game.
  2. Eat well.
  3. Walk or stretch.
  4. Brief puzzle warm-up before the next round.
  5. Only analyse your game after the tournament ends.
← All articles