My results in chess have always been a mystery to me. I don’t think an analyst could look at my past performances and accurately predict how I will play in an upcoming tournament. I’ve always wanted to be consistent and have often wondered why a small minority of players achieve consistency while most struggle with it.
If we oversimplify the formula for consistent performance, it would be:
Consistent Performance = Playing Well + Avoiding Poor Play
Most players understand this concept. The real challenge arises when we are capable of playing well but fail to do so regularly.
I cannot, in good conscience, recommend specific tools or tricks for becoming consistent because I am not consistent myself. Instead, this article highlights the factors that influence performance, things to avoid, and concepts that may help you discover how to build consistency on your own.
A x B = Results
A good performance is not solely determined by playing good moves. Unlike other sports, chess has a high drawing tendency, meaning even the best players cannot guarantee a win. Whether you are Magnus Carlsen or Stockfish, even at your best, there is always a possibility of not winning the game.
Apart from the chess aspect, several external factors influence results. Here are a few:
- Previous tournament results before a game
- Sleep quality before the game (it mattered less when I was younger but is now crucial)
- Opponent’s style
- Respect for (or underestimation of) the opponent
- Overconfidence
- Self-doubt
- Level of focus during the game
- Ability to handle distractions, noise, etc.
Often, we underestimate these factors. When analyzing our games, we typically focus on calculation errors or misjudged positions but ignore these external influences.
I recently came across a concept in The Winner’s Mindset by Shane Watson that resonated with me:
A x B = Results
- A = Things within our control
- B = Things outside our control
Examples of things outside our control:
- The opponent playing too fast
- Facing an unprepared opening
- Noise and distractions
Examples of things within our control:
- Staying focused
- Sleeping well and being well-rested
- Preparing for the opponent
- Sticking to the game plan
- Playing good moves
Both controlled and uncontrolled factors influence results. The key takeaway: do your best with what you can control and avoid stressing over what you can’t.
On a side note, I totally would recommend this book to anyone!
Training for Consistency in Chess
We often hear about training specific skills in a sport, but the concept of training for consistency is rarely discussed. I discovered this idea while watching Serena Williams’ MasterClass. She shared a fascinating training method: during practice, she would aim to hit the ball over the net a set number of times without missing. She kept count and tried to break her record or maintain the same level repeatedly.
This concept can be applied to chess in various ways. For example:
- Puzzle Rush: If you consistently score above 40 in five consecutive sessions, you train your brain for steadiness.
- Calculation Training: Take a calculation book, set a timer for one hour, and solve as many positions as possible. Try to maintain or improve your accuracy across multiple sessions.
The goal is to build a habit of performing consistently, rather than having sporadic flashes of brilliance.
Chess Reflects Life
Our playing style often mirrors our lifestyle. I used to dismiss this idea, but over time, I’ve come to believe it’s true.
For example, I am a naturally lazy person, and this habit translated into my chess. Before the pandemic, I relied heavily on intuition rather than calculation. Many times, I could have secured better results by calculating deeper, but my laziness led me to trust my gut instead. While this approach worked occasionally, it also cost me several crucial points.
Likewise, our general mindset in life influences our in-game decisions. I am an ambitious person, and this is reflected in my playing style—I often choose risky openings and play aggressively even when the position calls for restraint. My colleagues have described me as a fighter, but this sometimes translates into unnecessary risks in lost positions.
This leads to an important insight:
Consistency in Chess = Consistency in Lifestyle
If you struggle with consistency in life, you’re likely to struggle with it in chess as well.
Ask yourself:
- Have you worked on chess for 4+ hours every day for a week?
- Are you exercising regularly without skipping workouts?
- Do you have a structured plan for improvement?
- Are you meditating consistently?
Most of us are only consistent with activities like brushing our teeth, eating, and sleeping. But when it comes to activities that truly benefit us, we struggle to maintain discipline. If we lack consistency in training, we have no right to complain about inconsistent results.
Don’t Miss Two Days in a Row
Suppose you decide to work through the book Imagination in Chess for one hour daily over the next week. However, on the third day, you skip due to an unavoidable obligation. What happens next?
Most people either quit entirely or lose momentum. This pattern applies to many habits, whether it’s training, exercise, or meditation. Personally, when I’ve attempted 30-day meditation challenges, missing one day often led to abandoning the practice.
A simple solution: Never miss two days in a row.
Missing one day is human. Missing two days creates a new habit—the habit of skipping. This idea comes from James Clear’s Atomic Habits and is a powerful method to maintain discipline.
Wanting Consistency Too Much Can Backfire
Sometimes, the desire to be consistent can become a burden. Stressing about performing well in every game or tournament can lead to anxiety, which hinders performance.
It’s great to set ambitious goals, but when it’s time to play, forget about the pressure and just focus on the present. Constantly thinking, I have to win this tournament or I need to gain 30 rating points can do more harm than good.
The key is to trust the A x B = Results formula. Control what you can, let go of what you can’t, and avoid overthinking outcomes.
Conclusion
This article explored several key concepts related to consistency in chess and life. While I am not yet consistent myself, I hope these ideas will help you tweak your approach:
Key Takeaways:
✅ A x B = Results – Control what you can, ignore what you can’t.
✅ Train for consistency – Make consistency a deliberate part of your chess training.
✅ Chess reflects life – Build good habits outside of chess to see improvements in your game.
✅ Don’t miss two days in a row – One missed session is acceptable; two is a problem.
✅ Overstressing consistency can hurt performance – Set goals, then let go and just play.
If you found these insights helpful, you can follow my Twitter for more short reflections on chess and mindset. Let’s strive for consistency together!
Links to Resources
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