Preparing for a Big Tournament

Budding young writer NM Jonathan Hilton from Ohio offers his detailed advice on how to prepare for a major chess tournament in his preview of this weekend's National High School Championship in Atlanta. With the CalChess Scholastics just a month away, I highly recommend this article on Chess Life Online to both scholastic players and their parents. Hilton, who is in 11th grade and rated 2248, addresses the following topics:

• Check the advance entry list so you know what to expect and whom you may play.
• Repeatedly play over games from previous tournaments to learn from mistakes.
• Understand where you are now and set a realistic goal.
• Avoid overhauling your entire opening repertoire right before the tournament.
• Instead of preparing openings for specific opponents, improve your understanding in one or two variations.
• Be prepared for psychological tricks intended to distract you. For example, resist the temptation to move too fast.
  
• Exercise regularly. Be fit both physically and mentally.
• Rest your mind for a day or two. Do not cram chess!
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Have fun!

(The photo above is of Michael Zhong from Los Altos High School, the 2007 National High School co-Champion. Unfortunately, homework prevents him from playing this year. Zhong's personal experience, which he shared in this interview with CalChess, contradicts Hilton's advice, especially the point about cramming a new opening repertoire.)