Playing what the position will allow...

In 1988, through 1989, I played perhaps my best chess ever. I gave up my favorite openings, which were based on my early enthusiasm for Bobby Fischer, for a seriously classical approach inspired by the study of Tigran Petrosian's games. As white it was simply the Torre Attack and as black I relied on the Caro-Kann and the Queen's Gambit Declined to bore players to death. Simply put, there were many uncompromising players like Kamran Shirazi running around trying to inflict their will on the position and I no longer wanted a part of it.
Petrosian understood that rules within the position could not easily be broken and players who wished to throw the rules aside would soon find their position going with it. I was very lucky that many higher rated players, including Shirazi and Dzindzichashvili, would stick their necks out to try to beat me in equal/even positions and allow me to win. Unfortunately, players even with me or with lower ratings were harder to take care of - but my approach prevailed in earning the master title nearly 20 years ago.
Playing good, solid chess is far more important than any result. Thinking about results, rating points or even prizes will only serve to distract from the greater goal - putting forth your best possible game, reaching new tiers of strength, and earning respect as a good player.
-John MacArthur