ChessschoolBlitz and rapid chess: using your clock
Fast games are exciting, but beginners also need games with time to check their decisions.
Know the time control
Each player has a separate clock. An increment adds time after each completed move. Under FIDE definitions, blitz uses ten minutes or less per player and rapid uses more than ten but less than sixty, including sixty increments when relevant. Online labels may vary.
Spend time where it matters
Use more time when a piece is attacked, a capture changes the position or your king is exposed. Do not spend every move searching for perfection, but keep a quick safety check even when low on time.
Separate training from speed
A slower game lets you practise calculating replies. Afterwards review a rushed mistake. A flag fall does not always mean a win: the rules also consider whether checkmate is possible.
Try it yourself
Why can playing only very fast games slow your learning?
Check the answer
You have little time to explain plans or check replies, and may repeat the same habits without understanding them.
Put it into practice
Open the related lesson Practise with puzzles
Sources and corrections
For the official rules, see the FIDE Laws of Chess. Found an error? Send the position and page address.