Just do the regular preparation:
- refresh your opening repertoires or specifically the opening you expect to have on the board.
- analyze your opponent’s playing style and if possible play so as to avoid their strengths (e.g. play open tactical position if you see that your opponent prefers closed positions)
Is 400 a good rating in chess?
It is a normal rating for your situation. Everybody who starts chess is between 400–800 when they start.
What’s the best way to play against a strong opponent?
Against a strong opponent you need to play your best chess, so it doesn’t make sense to go into new territories trying to surprise him. If you do this, then it’s quite possible your opponent will see this coming, choose a sideline and get you in a position you have no idea what to do. It’s best to stick to your guns and play your best.
Why are higher rated opponents better at Chess?
The reasoning (equally naive and wrong) goes like this: my higher-rated opponent mostly plays chess players of approximately the same level who never play this wonderful line popular in our club so he won’t be prepared as well as I am.
Why do I lose to higher rated opponents?
The most common reasons are poor opening preparation and superficial thinking. A third reason can be a mix between inexperience and getting too nervous at the time of fulfilling a better / winning position, allowing the opponent to escape. In this article we will give you our advice when playing against a higher rated opponent.
Is it possible to beat a stronger player?
Ok, you are unlikely to win against a much stronger player. I think it’s important to acknowledge this. The other player may be better than you for numerous reasons – better technique, better shots, better placement, better consistency, better tactics. Or he may have 30 years of playing experience and you have only been playing for 2 years.
