Competition Mindset

Competitions are 10% skill and 90% nerve management. Here is how to handle the pressure.

1. The “Nervous Shakes”

It happens to everyone. Your hands shake uncontrollably.

• The Fix: Warm up! Bring hand warmers. Cold hands = stiff fingers = shaking.
• Breathing: Before the solve, take a deep “Box Breath” (In 4s, Hold 4s, Out 4s).

2. Zone of Focus

The venue is loud. Kids are screaming. Timers are beeping.

• Wear Earmuffs: You are allowed to wear noise-canceling earmuffs (not headphones with music!).
• Tunnel Vision: Look only at your cube. Don’t look at the judge. Don’t look at the guy next to you solving in 5 seconds.

3. Incident Management

What if something goes wrong?

• Timer didn’t stop? Don’t touch the cube! Call a delegate immediately.
• Distraction? If a kid bumps your table mid-solve, STOP. Raise your hand. You might get an extra attempt.
• Pop? Put it back in and keep going. If you can’t find the piece, it’s a DNF.

4. The “Comp PB” Trap

Don’t try to beat your Personal Best at a competition.

• Goal: Aim for your average time.
• If you average 20s at home, be happy with a 21s average at comp. The nerves add time.

5. Judge Etiquette

• The judge is a volunteer (usually another competitor). Be nice.
• Wait until they say “Ready” before placing your hands.
• Sign the scoresheet only after checking the time.