_edited_edited.jpg)
Losing a chess game can really sting, can’t it? Many of us have been there, lying in bed, replaying the moves over and over, wondering where it all went wrong. The truth is, defeats are part of the game, and learning to handle them well is key if you’re playing in tournaments where you’ve got to be ready for the next game. I have been in scenarios where I simply couldn't digest the loss. And it did not end there, it also affected by next round, as during the game all I could think of was "How did I even think of playing that horrible move"? I'm sure this has happened to each one of us right?
Don't worry here are five easy steps (plus a few extra tips) to help you shake off a loss and get back in the zone.
1. Own Your Mistakes, but Cut Yourself Some Slack
Nobody likes admitting they messed up, but owning your mistakes is how you grow. Avoid blaming the clock, the opponent, or the noisy crowd. Yes, you’ll make mistakes—you’re human! Even the greatest players slip up. Well you all must have seen the move Rf2?? played by Ding Liren in the recently concluded world championship match. Even after being a World champion he did that, so it can happen to any one of us. Instead of beating yourself up, think of your mistakes as lessons. They’re what keep chess exciting and challenging.
Extra Tip: Jot down one thing you’ll work on. Eg If you lose the game because you didn't know a specific opening and just got bad position out of the opening. It's your duty to work on it immediately and make sure you never lose again in the similar fashion. Just fix the problem temporarily so that just in case you face a similar opening in the upcoming round, you'll deal with it in a better way. Small, focused goals make a big difference.
2. Don’t Beat Yourself Up
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “I’m terrible at this,” after a loss. But that kind of negative self-talk just drags you down. Instead, remind yourself of the good moves you made during the game. Chess is the cruelest game. You can play 50 good moves in a row but 1 bad move and it's all over for you. So "Don't beat yourself up"
Extra Tip: Keep a chessbase PGN of your best moves or best games or coolest combinations that you have played over the years. After a bad loss it's good to go through it and feel good about yourself, about the way you have played chess. When you’re feeling low, flip through it for a confidence boost.
3. Accept the loss.
Angry? Frustrated? Disappointed? That’s totally normal. Pretending you’re fine when you’re not won’t help. Instead, find a way to let those emotions out. Maybe you talk it over with your opponent or a friend, or go for a walk to clear your head. The key is not to dwell on it for too long. (I myself have been a sore loser, but over the period I realised that it's not helping me in any way). I'm not saying I have perfected it but yes definitely got better at it. Even a small change in the right direction will help you to get a good result in the bigger picture. You can set a timer, give yourself 30 to 60 minutes to vent, then move on.
Extra Tip: If you’re into physical activity, try a short run or some deep breathing exercises. They’re great for clearing your head.
4. Remember What You’re Good At
When you lose, it’s easy to feel like everything’s falling apart. But take a step back and remind yourself of your strengths. Think about games where you played really well. What did you do right? Focusing on your strengths helps you rebuild confidence and get back in the game.
Extra Tip: Close your eyes and replay a game where you crushed it. Picture the board, the moves, and how great it felt to win. Use that energy to fuel your next match.
5. Take a Break
Before diving into prep for your next game, take some time to relax. Chess is intense, and your brain needs a breather. Read a book, watch a show, hang out with friends, or just do something you enjoy. When you’re relaxed, you’ll come back sharper,stronger and more focused.
Extra Tip: Try listening to some calming music or doing a quick meditation or taking a quick nap while listening to a podcast. It’s amazing how much it can help you reset.
Bonus Tips to Recover Faster
Ask for Feedback: Whether it’s from a coach or a computer, getting an outside perspective can help you learn without feeling too critical of yourself.
Have a Pre-Game Ritual: Find something that gets you in the zone before a game—reviewing openings, listening to a favorite song, or even just taking a few deep breaths. Well doing some easy puzzles before the round (That's my Favourite one)
Set Boundaries: Don’t spend hours obsessing over a loss. Analyze it, learn from it, and move on.
Stay Active: Regular exercise isn’t just good for your body—it clears your mind and boosts your mood, too.
Lean on Your Support System: Talk to friends, parents, coaches, or other players who understand what you’re going through. Sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone can help a lot.
Losing is tough, but it’s also part of what makes chess such a rewarding game. With these tips, I feel you’ll be able to shake off defeats faster and come back stronger.
About the Author
Vedant Pimpalkhare is a Chess player and Coach with a FIDE rating of 2287 and a chess.com rating of well over 2750. Vedant holds the esteemed title of FIDE Instructor. Vedant has been a professional player for more than 15 years and have been coaching for the last 6 years.
Comments