Laws of the Mind: Long Tournaments

Before you even set out for a tournament lasting several days, it is important to first count the cost. How much will it cost you to go? Do you have the necessary amount of money and have enough to get back home? Do you have a way back home? Do you have enough money for food?

Do you have all of the items that you will need? Extra controllers if yours is bad or acting up, phone charger?

What does this have to do with competitive play?

These are the things you must consider if you are to master the Laws of Mind. All of these factors will weigh on your mind if they are not sorted out beforehand can affect and worsen your gameplay. If you do not have enough money to realistically go to an event without causing stress on yourself, do not go, you will not be happy with the end result.

It can carry a heavy cost rather quickly. If these thoughts are in line and in control however, continue onto the next step.

When you start an actual match, this is tournament not a friendly match, if your win is not fast in coming, you must be prepared for the inevitable game of cat and mouse, or evasion. Many players play with characters that are perhaps long living or able to stay in a relative safe position while trying to camp you out. This is inevitable in tournament play. It will happen.

This will dampen your excitement and make you antsy, it is of utmost importance that you do not give into ignoring the previous laws and characteristics in this circumstance, memorize the steps and you’ll come out on top.

Likewise if you are playing a character that is fast and are trying to camp out your opponent be sure not to exhaust yourself by prolonging the match unnecessarily, you have a longer journey than just this one match.

However, if your stamina and mindset is unable to keep up, you will slowly fare worse and worse as the day progresses. This will lead to losing matches against players you would not have lost to if you kept to the Laws. And so then, with your wallet empty, your stomach hungry and your brain completely exhausted you will always be contemplating the what-ifs or I should-haves. Never allow yourself to fall into this loop.

Now, even though we have talked about the stupidity in trying to complete a match in haste, a smart player is not associated with a long a match.

No player benefits from a prolonged, burdened match.

It is only players experienced in this sort of mindset and play that fare well, knowing the benefits of each type of play, whether it be in laying your traps, or being able to overpower your opponent. Learn from other players with more experience in this way of tournament play.

Never bring too much with you into a tournament that might weigh on your mind, only what is needed.

Bring your own food from your house, a good small meal that is balanced, food that you are not accustomed to has the potential to affect not just your mind but your body as well.

If it is needed however, eat there at the tournament. However, only food that has not been sitting out or has the potential to cause food poisoning. This is very important...

Anger: Use it. Using anger in conjunction with the Laws makes any player dangerous. A player who is angry and yet keeps to their plans and the Laws will almost definitely not lose, unless the enemy player is that far greater in strength to you. Stir yourself to anger but allow it to dissipate at the end of the match.

End of the Match

At the end of the match, whether you lost or won, treat your opponent with kindness and respect. Whether this is a fist-bump a handshake or a good word at the end of the match, this goes a long way to build up your own characteristics allowing you to handle losses far better than with anger.

Reward yourself for a win. If you won the match celebrate with a small snack, avoid high sugar snacks, reward yourself with such things as pieces of fruit or a piece of gum.

While this may sound childish or even dumb, this will not allow your body to crash on highs of sugar while rewarding yourself with just the right amount that your body needs.

Let your win’s boost you, think clearly on what was done right and what was done wrong and take this into your next match, constantly improving.

In tournament let your main objective be to win. Avoiding long matches that do not benefit you. If an opportunity presents itself to take a stock or life, take it, do not give honor stocks as this will expedite the match but not without a cost. Friendlies are a different matter.

It all comes down to whether or not you are in control of your mental mindset, without that control and discipline victory is not assured.

Next we will cover strategy.