OTB Tournament Preparation

I have an OTB Tournament coming up at the end of June, so I have around 1.5 months to prepare. The time control is 25+10. Below are the things I plan to do for the tournament. I wonder if I'm missing anything else.

1. Change my routine online games from Bullet and Blitz to Rapid and Correspondence.
2. Shift my puzzle practice from Puzzle Storm to Puzzle Streak.

Opening: I mainly play the Queen's Gambit (1.d4) as White and the Sicilian Defense as Black. Thanks to the Bullet and Blitz games I've played, I have developed an extensive repertoire as both White and Black. I would rate my opening skills at 90 out of 100 for my level.

Middle Game: Although I am familiar with most middlegame scenarios from my own openings, very unexpected moves from my opponent might throw me off and cause me to blunder. At the tournament, I plan to slow down during the middlegame. I would rate my middlegame skills at 60 out of 100.

Endgame: As a player rated around 1800 Rapid, I'd say I have decent endgame skills (although I can't win KBN vs. K lol). My weaknesses are time trouble and visualization of tactics five moves deep or deeper, which often occur in the endgame. I'd rate my endgame skills at 70 out of 100.

Is there anything else I should consider for my 1.5-month tournament preparation?

Just play. This tournament will be the prep for the next one.

@lazzaknight if you only chess online with the pieces in 2d.....try play online with pieces 3d . For example, for me is hard play otb chess for this motive.

@azuaga said in #3:
> try play online with pieces 3d
Or rather with a physical board, it's much closer to OTB experience than "3D" pieces shown on screen.

@Sarg0n said in #2:
Yeah, I might just do that if I play OTB frequently. Unfortunately, I only have one or two chances for OTB per year unless I want to splurge on money for travel fees and accommodations. So I prefer to make the best of each one.

@azuaga said in #3:
I almost forgot about that training. Thanks for the reminder!

Disable all the help not available OTB: last move highlight, check red highlight, or legal moves marks.

Try playing classical or correspondence on physical board, just look at the screen to know opponent's moves.

Sure, there are some usual (*) endgames you struggle with: pick a few and master them so you not just can win if you reach them, but also you're not afraid of it.

(*) Not KNB vs K.

I like to go for a walk the evening before a tournament, it helps getting your mind clear and get's you in a good mood. Also you'll fall asleep quickly and get a good rest, which is quite nice for whatever the next day may bring.
Other than that everybody has their own little procedures and preferencies what do to and what to take to a tourney.
Good look finding yours and best wishes for the tournament! :)

When you know your weaknesses, study and practice them, like KBN vs K. Learn to coordinate your pieces together to control squares. This limits the mobility of the lone king. @lazzaknight

To checkmate the opposing king, it must end up in the colored corner that matches your bishop.

Step 1: Start practicing with two king's in the center of the chessboard. The opponent should resist getting pushed away from the center.
Step 2: Every time the lone king gets off a square, control that square with your supporting pieces. By doing this the lone king will not be able to remain in the center. and will end up on an edge of the chessboard.
Step 3: Once on the edge, you have to force that king over to the colored corner that matches the color of your bishop.

Look at some Checkmating patterns. You will notice that it's the Bishop that does the final check.
lichess.org/practice/checkmates/knight--bishop-mate/ByhlXnmM
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bishop_and_knight_checkmate

To be prepared you should have completed both of these links at 100%.
lichess.org/learn#/
lichess.org/practice
It's always good to go back to basics.

To simulate an OTB game on line. Use increment time and use move confirmation. Before playing a game, time your self to know how long it takes you to write moves down and press the clock. Practice using a fool's mate game. Divide the time by 4 and that's the number of seconds that you would need as increment time. That way you do not use up your clock time doing other things besides looking at the game. Note every move will need to be confirmed using the same hand it was played with.

N & B vs K happens about a dozen times in 40,000 games (online) So i'd call that pretty rare.
Be well rested. Make sure to have a snack and a drink ready so you don't have a sugar low during the game.
Practice a ritual before every OTB game to get yourself into the focused chess mindset and relax your nerves.

A lot of masters like to adjust each of the pieces for example.

Have fun and play good chess. OTB is also for learning. if you get into a difficult situation forget the past (for example if you were winning and now at a disadvantage) and just focus on how you can make opportunities for yourself and difficulties for your opponent.

@lazzaknight said in #1:

> I can't win KBN vs. K

Do you have an account on chesstempo? You can practice your endgames (KBN v K included) there...