How to play 1 minute blitz games: A lesson from a fellow amateur

The 1 minute blitz game, or any game with short time controls is one of the exciting treasures of chess, one that brings excitement and logic, anxiety and miracles, and triumph and failure together - all in mere seconds. This post is aimed at improving your performance in blitz games - by informing you of the tips that nobody wants to tell you.

1. Take a deep breath before the game. If you are one to crumble under pressure, it is best to not fail before the game even has started!

2. When possible, repeat moves to gain time control. In tournament play, "time control" refers to a checkpoint in # of moves that marks the addition of more times. In blitz play, time control means repeating just under the limit (3 is the max, so 1 or 2 repeats only!) to catch your breath and think of future moves in that valuable time. Some players call this "hustling" or "pushing," but this is even used in top tournament play, among international masters and grandmasters alike. That said, I am not encouraging randomly checking or randomly moving pieces - I am referring to forced repeats, like perpetual check, etc.

3. Play correspondence games - Chess.com's Online chess feature. I know that could get boring waiting for players to move in a 3 day time limit, or having to press submit move, but this is where the tactics are discovered. This does not happen in blitz games, which are only a demonstration of tactics, and recognizing them. Once you learn openings and tactical play, blitz games will come naturally. Trust me.

Take these tips to heart and I hope this helps you improve!

Good luck,

shuttlechess92

Nice contribution, shuttlechess92.. Keep it up..

nice and thnx.

=) I'm glad you liked the forum.

i like the 2nd tip, didnt know that one yet.

nice tips

Topic is typical  (bullet chess)

interesting tips, my experience tells (especially for 1-min bullet chess that one must not look at the time, it merely lose of precious seconds n divert ur attention...keep ur eye on the board n judge the time by ur opponents' move-time... u can only afford to peep to the clock when ur opponenet taking more time or u r much ahead in material n tempo....2nd tip is that when u make mistake or blunder (which are almost necessary part of such games) dont show concern n play next move faster than ever, it forced ur opponent to confuse and make him usually think for few seconds....it is very interesting topic n require much more writing ...(luckily i have played nearly thousand of such games on various sites) will try to contribute some more...goodluck

1st and only tip make your moves a fast as possible

Nice tips. I didn't know about the second one 'till I read your blog. Keep up the good work.

thanks unibun, soon i will share my experiences of speed chess...regards

Actually I didn't like it. You don't even say how one should play like what strategy, how to win even a piece up (since you have so little time), etc. I don't think it's real chess at all, even a large material advantage doesn't mean much.

much appreciated

I like the whole topic.  I didn't know any of this.

=) thx all, I just wanted to let everybody know about my little "secrets" (although my 1600 quick rating is not that sterling )

Elubas: I did mention that one should play online chess games to improve strategy in blitz - once you can move naturally (know the right move) it does not become about time anymore, but more of tactical play to make the end (remaining 10 seconds) easier.

But for quick tactics in 1 min games, one would suggest trying for forks of the queen and rooks, but I am not a big advocate on that. I suggest sticking to your opening - the one with the most knowledge of the move order wins time (if that is your goal) and may know some traps (these are the tactics) to look for.

Best of luck!

thank you very much for these good posts. I like playing very quick live chess games. Why don't you ask for a seperate article section where people can p;ost long or short articles about quick and blitz?

Thanks for the tips. I've been playing blitz for some years now and can't consistently keep up with my circle.  I'm the slow poke of the group, have great positions but spend too much time thinking about the next move.  Appreciate anymore tips you or others may have. 

Here's a small thought that I take advantage of: if playing here on Chess.com (and where else would you play), using the pre-move is a great way to make a move without losing too much time. Of course, your opponent has to allow you to have enough time to make the pre-move, but still. If you have white and start your opening, then you can make your first move, then immediately make your second move. After your opponent moves, then your move will go, with a second taken off your time. It saves some time, and gives you just a little more time to figure out what you are going to do.

I have made an article section for members to post their tips. here is the url:http://www.chess.com/article/view/improve-at-1-minute-blitz

yes - it has gave me all the rating points I have!