Improving Concentration??

Hi all,Not sure if this is the right Forum but hopefully someone might have some ideas.

I started playing chess about a year a go and im really enjoying it. I find in over the board games at tournaments or similar that I struggle to focus for the entire game and drift in and out. I'm sure it will improve with experience and I'll be able to focus for longer (I hope!)

But I was wondering if anyone had any methods or a quick checklist of things I should check before each move, something I can use to force me to look at everything before I make a move. Having looked at some of my own tournament games I dont think I struggle at calculations, I usualy do better the more complex the situation.. it's more simple situations when I dont seem to see the entire board, and get focused on small areas of interest.

Any advice :)

Thinking method tips to avoid/lessen blunders.

1. Always look at the whole board.

2. Always study your opponent's last move.

3. Before you make a move, check if there is no tactical drawback.

Solve chess tactics puzzles.

What you presented is thought process problem.

Tips

1. Always look at the whole board

2. Always study your opponent's last move

3. Before you make a move,check if there is a tactical drawback.

I believe in developing a cold minded nature for developing concentration. It's a matter of taking distance to outside disturbances. Learn from the introverts.

It's not easy for us extrovert natures, but fortunately I live in Scandinavia so I have lot of role models to learn from.

Hi, I'm late, but I thought I should give a hint on this: there are many interesting ideas on this topic in John Nunn's Secrets of Practical Chess book.

Improving your understanding is a good way to stay interested hence easier to focus.  Though this is not always an easy fix.

Also a good tip for long OTB games is to take a break once in a while to refresh your mind and then come back.

Other solutions are to improve you concentration utterly.  This would mean to pick up meditation or some relaxing activity that requires your attention.

Music is very important for improving your focus. For example like this https://youtu.be/5cnUdQrlZL4

Play hyperbullet to improve concentration.