Five BIG Differences Between Online and Over The Board Chess

Summary

In this video, Alex, a chess player rated under 2000 ELO, discusses the differences between over-the-board and online chess. He highlights the importance of playing gambits in classical chess, the impact of physical presence on the game, the significance of mental and physical health, and the shift towards more positional play in longer time controls. Alex emphasizes the critical role of endgames in over-the-board chess due to the extended time for calculation and higher stakes, urging viewers to study endgames.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alex enjoys playing gambits in chess and suggests that they can be effective in both online and over-the-board games.
• 🤔 When playing classical chess, Alex changed his repertoire to include more formal openings, but encourages others to play what they know and enjoy.
• 💡 Gambits can cause panic in higher-rated players, which might be an advantage for lower-rated players using them.
• 👀 Physical presence and behavior can influence the game, as over-the-board chess involves sitting across from your opponent.
• 💪 Physical fitness and mental toughness are important for enduring long games that can last several hours.
• 🧠 The psychological aspect of the game, including mind games and emotional control, is significant in over-the-board play.
• 🕒 Longer time controls in over-the-board chess lead to more positional and strategic play rather than relying on tactics.
• 🏆 The stakes are higher in over-the-board games, which can lead to more games going to the endgame.
• 📈 Endgames are more important in over-the-board chess due to the increased time for calculation and higher level of play.
• 📚 Alex recommends studying endgames to improve over-the-board performance, acknowledging that he needs to follow his own advice.

Q & A

What is the main difference between playing classical over the board chess and online chess?

The main differences include the physical presence of the opponent, the psychological and mind games that occur, the higher level of play due to longer time controls, and the importance of endgames in classical chess.

Why does Alex recommend continuing to play gambits in classical chess?

Alex recommends playing gambits in classical chess because they can create panic in the opponent and are less likely to be familiar to players, which can give an advantage.

How does physicality play a role in over the board chess according to Alex?

Physicality can influence the psychological aspect of the game. Alex suggests that his physical presence might intimidate opponents, and the way players carry themselves can affect the tension and mind games between them.

What is Alex's opinion on the importance of physical fitness for chess players?

Alex believes physical fitness is important for chess players as it can provide a psychological advantage and is necessary to maintain energy and mental toughness during long games.

Why are endgames more critical in over the board chess compared to online chess?

Endgames are more critical in over the board chess because players have more time to calculate and think, and more games progress to the endgame due to the longer time controls and higher stakes.

What changes did Alex make to his chess repertoire when he started playing classical chess?

Alex initially cut out gambits from his repertoire and started playing more formal openings like the Italian, Sicilian, or Spanish when he began playing classical chess.

Why does Alex think it's unnecessary to worry about having a perfect opening repertoire in classical chess?

Alex believes that players should play openings they are familiar with and enjoy, rather than trying to follow grandmaster recommendations perfectly.

How does the time control in online chess affect the likelihood of falling for tactics?

In online chess with shorter time controls, players are less likely to fall for tactics because they have less time to calculate and make mistakes.

What is the general approach to playing chess in person compared to online, according to Alex?

In person, chess tends to be more positional and strategic over the long term, while online chess can be more tactical and focused on short-term gains.

What is Alex's advice for players who want to improve their endgame skills in classical chess?

Alex advises studying endgames more thoroughly, as they are more important in classical chess due to the reasons mentioned in the video.

What is the significance of the physical presence of opponents in classical chess, as discussed by Alex?

The physical presence of opponents in classical chess adds an extra layer of psychological pressure and mind games that are not present in online chess.