Chess Game Preparation

What does a chessplayer concentrate on when coming up to a big tournament? I generally like to go over some Opening theory if I'm playing a new Opening or study tactics or study endgame.


Also physical training could be a good Idea for improving ones chess game. In an article by an Argentinian Nutritionist Roberto Baglione with the assistance of German GM Helmut Pfleger's survey it was found that "the elite chess players have comparable physiological parameters in competition as those who practice sports such as shooting, car racing and golf; consequently, chess could be classified as the same category of sport as those according to these criteria"



the article also gives recommendations for nutritional ways to be at your optimum performance and concentration at the board in important games:

• "Avoiding “heavy foods” or foods of difficult digestion before games must be
  adopted as a regular habit for chess players. The last “main” meal before a game
  has to be had at least three hours in advance. If a player wishes to have
  something to eat nearer the time of the beginning of a competition (one or two
  hours before, e.g.) he/she should choose among fruits (whole ones, fruit salad
  or juices, raisins), cereal bars, pretzels, cookies, low fat yogurt with fruit
  or cereals, sports drinks.

  
  

  During the games, it is recommended fluid ingestion, and, if the chess
  player wants it (or when the game becomes long), solid foods. Mineral water,
  fruit juices, tea, coffee, sports drinks, cereal bars, fruits, raisins, dry
  fruits (almonds, e.g.), chocolate, cereal cookies, can be chosen. In all cases,
  moderate quantities should be taken.
  The best strategy to hydration is to drink small quantities at regular intervals, instead of greater quantities at a few intervals, and avoid being thirsty. The same indication should be followed during board training and physical activity. It is also important to begin the activity properly hydrated.

  It would be good for chess players “to train” the quantity of fluid to be
  drunk while playing training games in situations similar to the tournament’s; in
  order to determine if the options and quantities are well tolerated (and to
  become familiarized with them) and then, avoid drinking quantities during an
  important game which may result in concentration loss. The same routine should be taken into account for solid foods.

  Some characteristics of the urine can show the state of hydration, which
  gives players a very good reference. If at any moment of the day the color of
  the urine is dark yellow, it is small in volume and has a strong smell, then all
  these signs could be showing that the chess player might not be properly
  hydrated and, consequently, should drink plenty of water or fluids containing
  water in considerable proportion.

  It would be advisable for the elite chess players to count on scientific
  nutritional consultancy in order to cope with all the requirements that
  top-level chess entails, because nutrition plays a significant role in the sport
  performance.

  The improper use of dietary supplements, mainly under self-supervision or
  non-professional supervision, can cause health problems and may result in a
  positive anti-doping control. It is advisable that chess players take dietary
  supplements only if these are prescribed by a medical doctor after a complete
  general check, and, in the case of top players, only those ones which are not on
  the list of the banned substances and methods for chess. The players must be
  informed about the current World Anti-Doping Code.

  Physical activities should be considered as an important component of the
  chess player training. It is necessary to attend clinical- cardiologic tests
  before starting doing this type of activity and this program must be designed by a doctor or a physical trainer."

I might have to start using some of these strategies in the lead up to the Australian Minor. :D I've been having a healthy eating period recently with lots of salad Items and leaving out a lot of crap that I used to eat. I'm using low fat milk and the low GI Bergen bread for my sandwiches which keep me full for ages. I've got to work on the hydration however. I have been only drinking when thirsty which is a sign of dehydration.

In recent times there has been a bit of discussion on chesschat on how unhealthy chessplayers are (except for the children). see this post here and subsequent discussion here. Maybe to get a healthier chess standard we need a healthier chess community?! Bring on the treadmills - pump out those GM's! lol