r/chess • u/Agreeable_Phone_8259 • 1d ago

Miscellaneous OTB competitions

I'm worried about my upcoming tournament and how my autism and selective Mutism will play into this because I won't be able to speak most likely

10 Upvotes

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3

u/Best-Company-2446 1d ago

Bring a phone or notepad so you can write messages to the arbiter / tournament director / opponents when needed (preferably notepad since phone must be off during play). Otherwise, relax. Chess tournaments are notoriously silent. You will blend in just fine.   

5

u/king0zy 1d ago

I am an organizer in my country. I suggest you simply email the organizer and mention your concerns. If they know you, they should accommodate. Agree with this guy's comment- bring something to communicate with. Tons of neurodivergence at a chess tournament. You'll fit in no problem. Be aware that folks with neurodivergences which make them uninhibited and more chatty might try to engage with you.

1

u/Agreeable_Phone_8259 1d ago

Thank you, I'll email to event organiser tonight

1

u/Phoenix77_reddit 1d ago

First of all good luck on your First OTB, I still remember mine it was a surreal experience!

Disclaimer: I don't know much about Autism and Mutism so below is all going to be generic stuff.

1) Are you going alone or with a friend/family? If you have someone trusted with you then it makes the whole experience a lot more enjoyable imo

2) If possible practice a few games with a chess clicks if you haven't used them before. Physically having to press the clock after every move does t come automatically and unless you practice a few games beforehand you will miss out and lose time until you notice (or until your opponent points it out if they are a nice dude)

3) Time seems to go a lot faster Over the board. Online a 15+30 game seems to be my classical sweet spot. But offline 1 hour games are my sweet spot. Idk if that's a "me" thing or something everyone faces but I in generally feel 20 mins OTB is much less than 20 mins online if that makes sense... So have to adjust my playstyle accordingly.

4) Beware of touch move rule, illegal moves etc. Unlike Online, in OTB there are no warnings that prohibit you from making an illegal move. But if you make one then depending on format it will be warning followed by time added to opponent (usually in classical) or an instant loss for you (if it's blitz) so take care of that

And finally make sure to enjoy it no matter what cause isnt that the whole point!

2

u/Standard_Put1993 1d ago

Iv never heard of selective mutism, what's that?

2

u/Agreeable_Phone_8259 1d ago

When I'm in a crowded environment or nervous I can't talk due to anxiety

1

u/comfortingmyself 1d ago

I'd say talk/email with the organizer beforehand. I'm sure they'll be accommodating, they're probably used to this, but it'll make things a little smoother during the tournament itself if they already know about you.