how to not be scared playing otb

i went to play my first tournament yesterday and took 4th bcs when im playing im scared to make a blunder how do i fix that

How many people were in this tournament? I would say that 4th place is not bad. I know, this is coming from a lower-rated chess player--I have been trying to raise my OTB rating for years. A lot of people do NOT finish in the top 4 in their first tournament.

I would advise you to play unrated games on Lichess until you stop worrying about blunders. Blunders happen. If you learn more this way, you will not have to make up for so many lost points. You can play AND study (studying should be done after you play a game, not during...) Now, you won't overcome ALL of the fear in one day...you might be scared for months...but keep playing. You will eventually overcome most of the fear. I think even masters fear making blunders. They certainly don't like losing points from their ratings and they are human, too. They probably have occasional doubts about their abilities.

Keep playing. You might surprise yourself someday. Maybe you'll take 2nd or 1st someday. I wish you the best.

https://lichess.org/d57PsxtQ?pov=TheBerserkAcount1412

@DoomedBishop said ^

How many people were in this tournament? I would say that 4th place is not bad. I know, this is coming from a lower-rated chess player--I have been trying to raise my OTB rating for years. A lot of people do NOT finish in the top 4 in their first tournament.

I would advise you to play unrated games on Lichess until you stop worrying about blunders. Blunders happen. Now, you won't overcome AL...

Maybe you were 4th out of 4th?
You need to conquer your fear. Why are you more afraid of making a blunder face to face than sitting at a computer?
In fact that fear is a good thing, channel it to help you avoid mistakes and search for the best move.

I can suggest you that when you go to play the tournament

1. Take Deep Breaths
2. Think that you will win the Tournament!

WITH THIS MINDSET I just literally came on 7th position out of 1000 in OTB tournament held in our area

@Charles567

Remind yourself that you are human, and so are your opponents.

if you cant win, then try not to lose

Accept that you will blunder. Everyone blunders, both you and your opponents. When you blunder, give it a good laugh. It's funny. Well, let it be funny if you can. (But don't laugh at your opponents' blunders. That's for them )

As you improve, you will blunder less and less. It's a process. Don't force yourself to be perfect immediately