Online games put fears to rest
Saturday, May 2, 2009 3:05 AM
By SHELBY LYMAN
Fear is often the enemy of performance.
Among other ill effects, it can inhibit exploratory activity and risk-taking, according to neuroeconomist Gregory Berns.
A few chess players — such as Bobby Fischer, Garry Kasparov and Mikhail Tal, in part because of their aggressive and relentless play — thrived on their opponents’ tendency to be fear-stricken.
Assessing the soundness and desirability of his gunslinger style, Tal concluded that the destructive effect it had on his opponents more than compensated for its flaws.
Preparation, familiarity and objectivity are bulwarks against fear.
The more chess you play and learn, the more familiar you are with game situations in which everything is on the line; and the greater the subtlety with which you study your own psychology, the more immune you will be to crippling fear.
Internet chess offers a shining opportunity for vanquishing jitters.
It provides a readily available venue where you can play in highly contested situations.
Later, you can review key positions, recall your emotional responses and modify them where appropriate.
Source: http://www.columbusdispatch.com
Internet chess is the future of chess.