How to handle pressure and stay confident during crucial chess games

Pressure at the highest level

The recently concluded Chess World Cup got me thinking about how much pressure players experience in any chess tournament - especially the two finalists stepping into the last round. The Chess World Cup, with its knockout format, is a true testing ground, where players endure weeks of relentless pressure, minimal rest, with the constant threat of elimination looming over their heads. Even if the classical games end with the score being tied, players can still be eliminated in rapid and blitz tiebreaks. These games are more intense because one small mistake can decide everything.

For example, in Round 2, Lorenzo Lodici beat the much higher-rated Hans Niemann in the tiebreaks, showing how quickly the outcome can change under pressure.

Another example of intense pressure was observed in the semifinal rapid tiebreaks. Wei Yi and Andrey Esipenko were locked in a highly tense battle. In the decisive second rapid game, Esipenko had strong winning chances and was pushing hard, but with little time on the clock, he miscalculated in a complex position and blundered a rook. Wei Yi, who had earlier missed opportunities himself and been under pressure, immediately took advantage and won the game. The sudden swing showed how time trouble and nerves can lead to costly mistakes even at the very highest level of chess.

Many of us have felt that sudden surge of pressure right before an important game: a decisive round that may determine whether we win the tournament, score a norm, meet a rating goal, or simply finish strong. This pressure shows up at any moment where the stakes feel unusually high. But what exactly is pressure? What does it do to our minds? And more importantly, how do we manage it? Let’s explore!

What is pressure, and why do we feel it especially before crucial rounds?

Most people think of pressure as just “stress". But mental pressure is more specific - it is the psychological strain we feel when performance really matters, and the outcome feels uncertain.

In chess, mental pressure arises when a player notices that:

1. They must perform well right now.

2. The outcome carries weight—rating, norms, selection, rewards, rankings, etc.

3. Success feels uncertain and effortful because of situational demands such as the opponent, the competitive environment, the tournament situation, time factors, etc.

4. Expectations- both internal and external- rise.

Put simply: pressure shows up when you care deeply about the result.

But - caring is a good thing!

Two ways to manage pressure

Many players try to deal with pressure by distracting themselves or pushing it away. But honestly speaking, how often does the “don’t take pressure!” statement really work? It is like the pink elephant experiment I love to talk about - if you tell someone, “don’t think of a pink elephant!”, the first image that most often occurs in your mind is that of a pink elephant! Your mind immediately creates the very thing you are trying to avoid.

So if resisting pressure doesn't work, what does?

Suggestion 1: Normalize pressure and make it less scary!

We often visualize pressure as this big, scary-looking orb that is here to cast a shadow on our performance!

However, that is rarely the case. Pressure intends to point us in the direction of something that actually matters to us. You care about chess, which is why winning or losing in the crucial rounds matters to you!

When we reframe the way we approach the concept from “pressure is stopping me” to “pressure is guiding me,” it loses its power to overwhelm you. Pressure then starts appearing as your friend, pointing you in all the directions you feel you should work on, so that you feel most ready for performance.

Suggestion 2: Follow a pre-performance routine

People often mistakenly equate pre-game routines with superstitions or mindless tasks. However, they serve an important purpose. Pre-game routines help us normalize the situation and direct our attention towards aspects that we can control.

Pre-game routine creates a sense of normality because it stays the same—whether it's round one or the final—it signals to your brain that the upcoming game is just another game, not an emergency.

A pre-game routine also involves doing tasks such as preparing for the game, eating nourishing food, getting good sleep, wearing the tournament ID, carrying a bottle of water and pens to the game, or other such tasks that a player deems important. Completing these tasks directs your attention to things you can control and brings your focus to the present moment, instead of worrying about future outcomes that you cannot control.

An example of a pre-game routine that we see many chess players practice, including World Champion Gukesh D., is meditating at the board before the start of their games. More examples of Grandmasters’ pre-game routines can be found here:

Final Thoughts

There are, of course, many more such ways to manage pressure before a game. You have to find the mental skills that suit you the best. These mental skills are quite like chess skills. You do not get better at implementing them in a day or a week; however, practicing them consistently enables them to become a natural part of the way your mind works!

If you struggle with pressure before crucial situations, try these two suggestions! I would be happy to learn about your experiences and feedback, so reach out to me at saloni.mindovermoves@gmail.com.

About Mind Over Moves Inc.

Mind Over Moves Inc. works with chess players who want to strengthen their mental approach to the game. The focus is on helping players develop healthier thinking patterns, manage pressure, and play with clarity and confidence during important moments. Those interested in learning more about mindset training can connect with Saloni Sapale at saloni.mindovermoves@gmail.com or visit her website mindovermovespsychology.com.