Playing in US Senior Championship next week. Things I have to study

One week left to prepare. Representing Georgia as apparently I am now the Georgia Sr Champ.

1. Keep brushing up on tactics

Try to solve 100 puzzles a day. Emil Sutovsky sent me some hard puzzles. Will work on those. But also want to do the easy ones to keep the pattern recognition going

2. Opening study

Sicilian is the big one I need to study. Never sure which variation to go with. Refresher on Saemisch and h3 KID

3. Endgame study

Do the endgame progressions for Rook and Pawn vs Rook

4. Psychology:

5. A) stop negative self-talk

6. B) Focus on each player as if they are the best. Don't soften up on weaker players

7. C) What's my "safe mode".

Get used to making safe moves when not sure.

8. D) Don't try to win twice

When winning a game, just consolidate and win.

9. Figure out how to get better sleep in tournament

10. When starting to slide down, get away from game. Focus on counterplay

Remember: 95% chance there is counterplay, even if I am losing.