Playing 3 min vs 30 min

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sacredtyras
So I’m a new player. I used to go to a chess club, and I always used to match up with a 1500 rated player. He said that based on the way I play, I’d be much better at blitz chess than long chess. I’ve also noticed that I play better when under time pressure. Does that mean I should continue to play 3 minute, or should I force myself to play 10 min or 30 min?
sacredtyras
Also forgot to mention that I regularly watch 3 minute games on this app, as well as watching lectures from GMs on YouTube. This also seems to help a lot.
MiyanneDella

Well i don't know your playing style, but in general you grow more as a chess player in the longer time controls. The more time you think about the position on the board, the better your chances are of going beyond just 'patterns'. Blitz and rapid is fun, thrilling, and a skill for sure. But there is joy in realising that a move is good cause it is what the position requires, not just because it's part of a motif you've mastered. I think this level of understanding is easier reached in longer time controls. The longer the better, I'd say... But not so long you get bored 😅

eric0022
sacredtyras wrote:
So I’m a new player. I used to go to a chess club, and I always used to match up with a 1500 rated player. He said that based on the way I play, I’d be much better at blitz chess than long chess. I’ve also noticed that I play better when under time pressure. Does that mean I should continue to play 3 minute, or should I force myself to play 10 min or 30 min?

 

A fair mix across different time controls will be good. But at the end of the day, it's your choice on the time control.

 

More often than not, a long game has deep, enriched values inside the games since the moves are often thought out to the fullest. However, if you benefit more from watching 3 minute games, it is likely that you are picking up very quickly on general ideas and crucial tactics from these games. Either way, enjoy and have fun playing the games.

sacredtyras
Wow, all very good and insightful answers! I can understand why I would benefit from the different time controls. Thank you for shedding some wisdom! If anyone would like some freelo, send me a challenge.
ginzbirdman

Don’t play blitz until you have had your coffee in morning. I tried and the outcome was tragic. 

manekapa

You should also try 15|10.