I'm wondering if anyone else get's this feeling about chess sometimes. You could call it impostor syndrome or feeling like a fraud. I had it again after this win earlier today:

I played my moves, made some tactical decisions and ended up getting the win. Nice 😎

Overall I was quite pleased with the game, but it's just that sometimes I get this nagging feeling, like I wasn't worthy of the win somehow. Do any of you ever feel that way? It bothered me so much I had to go back through the game with the engine, move by move, just to see which moves tipped the balance of the game in my favour. Overall I think it was my opponents inaccuracies & mistakes that initially gave me the advantage but then I was able to maintain that advantage and get the win. When I rationalise the impostor syndrome I think I'm ok with it but I do have to remember that we are still playing other human beings (hopefully!) and so they have the same opportunities to make poor or inaccurate moves as I do. Therefore the impostor syndrome really is just another form of anxiety that needs not be given much validation. Phew!😌

I do get a little elo anxiety too which isn't helpful. I have to remind myself that I can't get better if I don't play games, so I should play more. I will not play a game however, if I am remotely tired or just not in the mood. That never ends well. I've been in a good place in recent weeks, sleeping better and looking after myself better (having discovered the joy of kettlebells) so as long as that continues I will try and get more games in.

Anyhow, I just wanted to share with you all my positive & uplifting mental processes this saturday afternoon. Enjoy! 😁

p.s. Feel free to share your own thoughts and ideas about the psychological side of chess.

CBCL Secret Team

Super Admins