Crystallina wrote:I'm terrified to play anymore. Whenever I play, I'm afraid I'll make a mistake and people will jump on me for it. I'm deathly afraid of negative feedback. I apologize whenever I make a mistake, but sometimes it doesn't work.
What can I do?
Learn how to play. It's not sarcasm, nor am I trying to be a jerk. It's just the only correct, honest answer to your question.
That's the only real solution, but there also some things that might help (to some extent):
a) When you haven't a slightest idea what to do - just say it in a game chat. You might get some good advice and even if you don't - people will not be too angry with you.
b) Try to get rid of the fear.
I don't think you're dumb. I think the main reason of such a bad play is fear that you'll look stupid and be ridiculed or hated. Then, in panic, you play much worse than you would normally.
Of course, the best (but not necessarily fastest) way of eliminating that fear is improving your understanding of the game. Fast recipe would be nice, talkative games with friends - games with much "loud thinking", analyzing everybody's moves (and reasons behind that moves) etc. If you haven't any friends yet, you can open a thread in CALL OUTS forum, describing what you want. You'll be pleasantly surprised with response...
c) Check your attitude.
When someone in a game tries to explain you something, how do you react? Friendly, positive, with interest - or the opposite?
I understand that you're sick of being criticized. So don't be surprised if you find many examples in your game chats... Many examples where people tried to help, but you made them shut up with your attitude... You may not like this idea, but it's certainly worth checking!
d) Game choice
You could stick to easier maps for some time... To gain a self-confidence.
Crystallina wrote:I just got ignored for making a mistake. The new feedback doesn't help. I try, really I do. I don't make mistakes on purpose. Why can't people see this?
They might see, but that doesn't make their pain easier...
How to learn?
i) My personal advice, doesn't work for everyone. But if it works for you - there is no better way.
Just look at some position and think calmly about it. About assets and weak spots of everyone's position... Possible plans of improving your position... Not longer than several minutes. Then close the game and visit it again after few hours or tomorrow. If you find a suitable move, it's not a reason to terminate the process. You can find more suitable plays than you expect. Play only when you have to, or when you are sure that you want one particular move (and know WHY you are wanting it). (With time, you'll be able to recognize right play very quickly - you'll just
know.)
Forget actual games, focus on new ones.
IF this is a right way for you - you'll see a significant improvement very soon!
ii) Find a mentor (
This way is fastest, but somewhat shallow and very risky.)
Very risky, because you can't easily determine whether your mentor actually understands the game. If you pick wrong person and don't realize it soon - you'll suffer a significant damage.
There is a
Mentoring Pilot Program.
iii) Find a stronger player for team games (
this one is also risky, for the same reasons...)
iv) I can offer you an one-shot help - through analysis of ONE game.
PM me if you're interested about details...
YES, this post is long, as well as your journey will be...