My weekly commentary

Diana, a chess mom asked:

Susan,

Thanks,
Diana

This is the subject of my commentary this week. Last week during the US Open tennis championship, there were 2 matches that stood out in my minds:

1. Federer vs. Blake in the QF
2. Henin-Hardenne vs. Jankovic in the SM

In both matches, the champions (Federer and Henin-Hardenne) did not have their best stuff at some points while their opponents were playing spectacular tennis. But both champions won. Why? How?

Because the champions played to win and their opponents did not know how to close out big matches.

Why do I compare chess to tennis? Because tennis is very similar to chess! Many players have good or even great positions against much stronger players. It is like being up a break, a set or having break points against stronger players. But to take advantage of the better / winning positions and close out the games is a completely different task.

Too many players choke because they play their opponents and their ratings instead of the boards or the positions. That comes from the lack of self confidence.

The only way to overcome that is to continue playing out critical positions everyday. You have to be able to get to that comfort zone and convert your advantages automatically. That is the way to gain self confidence.

What you do is take Grandmaster games at critical moments. It could be one side having a big advantage. It could be one side having a great attack. It could be one side having a better endgame. Play those positions out to win against friends or computer programs. Then switch side and play to hold for other side. The more critical positions you play out, the more confidence you will get.

Good luck!
Susan Polgar