Stop Loss in Chess: The Art of Gaining Rating Points by Not Playing

You might be wondering why a term commonly associated with finance is cropping up in the world of chess. Don't worry; I won't be diving into financial matters here. Instead, I'm here to shed light on a concept in chess that can help you gain rating points without even making a move. It may seem counterintuitive at first, but let me explain why "stop loss" can be a valuable strategy in your chess journey.

As any chess player knows, the game can be a rollercoaster of emotions. You aim to climb the rating ladder, reach milestones, and prove your skills, but the reality can be challenging. Now, imagine you're an aspiring chess player with a current rating of 1895. You're on the edge of the 1900s, a milestone you've been trying to reach. All you need is one successful game to cross the 1900s. In your first game, things take an unfortunate turn, and you end up losing. In a typical online chess platform like chess.com, you might see your rating drop by 8-10 points, bringing you down to around 1886.

Determined, you decide to play another game, hoping to recover those lost points. But luck doesn't seem to be on your side, and you lose again, shedding another 8 points, leaving you at 1878. Frustration begins to creep in. You were just five points away from your goal, but now you're staring at a 22-point deficit. Yet, you've heard the advice that you should never give up, and the chess warrior in you is determined to keep playing. So, you start your third game with renewed determination.

This third game shows promise. You make 30 solid moves, carefully strategizing, making one good move after another, only to have your efforts nullified by a single blunder. The result? Three consecutive losses, or as chess players humorously term it, you did a long castle (0-0-0) of defeats.

Can you relate to this scenario? Have you experienced a similar chain of unfortunate games? If so, know that you're not alone. I, too, have been caught in this web of disappointment, and there are many others who've faced the same.

So, what's the solution??

I believe that after losing three games in a row, it's a good idea to take a short break before you start your next game. This may vary from person to person, you might like to stop after lets say 4 or 5 games, which is also totally fine. I personally stop at 3! You have the liberty of doing so in your online games. The break could be a 10-15 minute break, a leisurely stroll in the park, or handling non-chess-related tasks, like answering work calls, getting some important things done. I understand that the temptation to play on, especially when you have a particular opponent in mind, can be strong. The frustration of losing a game can be maddening, but you must show self-control and resist the urge to keep playing.

By doing this, you're not only sparing yourself from losing more rating points, but you're also giving yourself a chance to gain some back. Let me explain: If you can bring together the willpower to step away from the chessboard (in this scenario, your chess.com screen) after three consecutive losses, you'll find yourself within striking distance of your target rating. In our example, that's 1900.

However, had you continued playing, there is a risk of tilting even further, potentially below 1850. In that case, you'd have to start from scratch, aiming for the 1900 rating, but this time with a more significant gap to bridge.

In short, by taking a short break and resisting the temptation to play on, you're effectively gaining 20-30 rating points. It's a strategic move that can save you some rating points and help you approach your goals more steadily.

So, do you understand the power of "stop loss" in chess now? It's not about quitting but strategically taking a breather to safeguard your rating and maintain your progress towards your goals. Remember, chess is a game of strategy on and off the board, and this is one strategic move that could be your secret weapon to success.

In the wise words of chess legend José Capablanca, "You may learn much more from a game you lose than from a game you win." So, embrace the setbacks, use "stop loss" as your ally, and keep advancing on your chess journey.

P.S- This method is useful for players of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, whether you play as a side hobby or as a professional. This stop loss method is going to help you from losing more points.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Vedant is a chess player and coach with a FIDE rating of 2287 and having earned 1 IM norm. 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.

ABOUT THE MINDFUL MOVES:

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