(Note: to protect the people discussed in this e-mail, I have deleted names)
 
 
 
 
Hey Samson, I thought I would write you to reinforce something you no doubt already know --- the importance of Tactics.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
When playing a much, much higher rated opponent, it is critical to challenge him early in the match.  If you are a 1500-rated player competing against a 2000-rated player, you will likely lose.  If you play your normal game (statistically speaking), you don’t have a huge chance of winning.  This is the reason that you need to take some risk and CHALLENGE your opponent.
 
Assuming that you are a 1500 looper and your opponent is a 2000 looper, here are some possible ways of taking slightly more risk and challenging him…