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What are your theories on significant downturns in play/rank?

I just went from 1400 to 1300 very quickly.

I realize there are a lot of factors at play in a downturn in score/general play, including everything from my mental disposition, to that of my opponent, to interruptions and distractions, to unexplained patterns of the universe etc etc!

Is there an algorithm in the automatic random opponent selection that does a quick analysis of your play and matches you with a suitable opponent, whether that be for a good game or even to keep you playing, not unlike the way a slot machine is programmed?

Anyway, just humouring the idea and curious about your opinions and experience.
Funny, I just let out a yawn before I started typing just now.

I think you're right. Tiredness has a lot to do with it.

Just yawned again.

I'm looking at my 20 month old asleep beside me. I'd be smart to join him in a nap, but nah, I'll play another game.
"I'm looking at my 20 month old asleep beside me. I'd be smart to join him in a nap, but nah, I'll play another game."

Yeah, I have a 2 year old and a newborn. They are primarily responsible for fluctuations in my ability to play chess well.
I recently recovered from a 200-point slump.

One thing that will kill you quickly is the urgency to jump back into another game to recover the the points you lost. That is a vicious cycle that will only cause you to fall further.

What you need to do instead is after a loss, particularly one in which you feel like you really made a bad error, give yourself a cooling off period before starting other game. Analyze what led to the loss as objectively as possible. Do not start another game while still angry about the last. That will totally sabotage your ability to play effectively.

I hope this helps.
I'm playing blitz with my baby daughter sleeping into my arms :)
Not the best way to start playing blitz

Yaaawn.

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