About Mistakes

Some misfortunes that we attribute to mistakes are not mistakes at all. If you don't know the opening you're playing, you can't be expected to find all the right moves. That's lack of knowledge, and is easily fixed by studying openings.

Another source of error is fatigue. That happens when you have exhausted your energy reserves, and your brain just shuts down. The cure is to get up from the board, stretch your legs, clear your head. and get something to eat and drink.

Now, let's talk about the monsters under your bed, the real mistakes.

Mistakes in chess are those moves that put you in a state of chock once you realise what you did. Your mind is flooded with thoughts like "How could I be so incredibly stupid", followed by shame and embarrassment. The good news is that you're not stupid, and there is nothing to be embarrassed about.