Chess Patterns ❯ Body And Mind ❯ Energy Running Out

Energy Running Out

When your opponent is Running Out of Energy, their concentration and decision-making abilities begin to decline. Fatigue can lead to careless mistakes and poor strategic choices. As their mental stamina wanes, they might also play more slowly, increasing the likelihood of time trouble.

If your opponent's Energy Seems to be Running Out, you should: (1) Avoid risky tactics that could backfire, (2) Manage your time well to create additional pressure. If your Energy is Running Out, you should: (1) Take a deep breath and slow down to avoid making hasty mistakes, (2) Simplify the position, if possible, to reduce the complexity and demands on your energy, (3) Stay hydrated and take short breaks to refresh your mind.

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Know What to Do When Energy is Running Out

When we started adding a playful touch to chess learning, we looked through thousands of videos and hundreds of books to find the best resources out there. Here's our curated selection of the best content we encountered on situations in which players' Energy is Running Out. We also included some smaller creators who are growing fast and we believe deserve your attention. Check out these resources if you want to master this type of situation.

Improve Chess - Slowing Down: How to play more carefully!
This video by the channel Chess Thinking! with NM Dan Heisman gives a lot of great advice on Time and Energy Management. Don’t miss it.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Dojo Talks: Mental Fatigue
This episode of the popular show by Chess Dojo contains an interesting discussion of what happens to players when their energy runs out.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Ending a Tournament*
Have a look at this nice Chess.com lesson by GM Sam Shankland in which he gives concrete advice on how to play in low-energy situations.

WATCH ON CHESS.COM
The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance*
This wonderful book by Josh Waitzkin is many things: a profound exploration of the learning process, a guide to mastering performance under pressure, and a reflection on the psychology of competition. Don't skip this.

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Chess for Zebras*
This is another fascinating work by Jonathan Rowson, filled with both abstract and practical insights, including how to find a focused balance of energy. Not for beginners, but perfect for curious chess enthusiasts.

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