This is the number one question I get from readers of the Better Chess blog. I wrote about this back in April of 2020, here. Not much has changed since then but here is an updated post to ring in the new year.
Playing blitz chess can be beneficial for improving one’s chess skills. Blitz chess, also known as speed chess, is a fast-paced variant of the game where each player has a limited amount of time, usually between three to five minutes often with time delays or increments, to make all of their moves.
One of the main benefits of playing blitz chess is that it helps players to make quick and accurate decisions. In a normal chess game, players have plenty of time to analyze the board and consider various options before making a move. However, in blitz chess, players have to make quick decisions as they only have a few seconds to think before their clock runs out. This helps players to improve their ability to analyze the board and make decisions quickly, which is an important skill in chess.
Calculation and mistakes in blitz chess
Blitz chess also helps players to improve their calculation skills. In a normal chess game, players have the luxury of taking their time to calculate the consequences of their moves. However, in blitz chess, players have to calculate the potential outcomes of their moves much more quickly, as they only have a few seconds to make their decisions. This helps players to improve their ability to calculate quickly and accurately, which is an important skill in chess.
Another benefit of playing blitz chess is that it helps players to become more comfortable with making mistakes. In a normal chess game, players may be more hesitant to make a move that they think might be a mistake, as they have plenty of time to analyze the board and consider their options. However, in blitz chess, players have to make decisions quickly, which means that they are more likely to make mistakes. This can be a good thing, as it helps players to become more comfortable with making mistakes and to learn from them.
Fast time controls help you adapt and stay motivated
Playing blitz chess on sites like chess.com or lichess.org also helps players to improve their ability to adapt to different positions and to think on their feet. In a normal chess game, players may have time to prepare for different positions and to come up with a plan for how to deal with them. However, in blitz chess, players have to adapt to different positions quickly and to come up with a plan on the fly. This helps players to become more adaptable and to think on their feet, which are important skills in chess.
Finally, playing blitz chess can be a lot of fun and can help players to stay motivated and engaged with the game. Chess can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating game, and playing blitz chess can be a good way to keep things interesting and to stay motivated. This can help players to improve their chess skills overall, as they are more likely to keep practicing and playing the game.
In conclusion, playing blitz chess can be beneficial for improving one’s chess skills. It helps players to make quick and accurate decisions, to improve their calculation skills, to become more comfortable with making mistakes, to adapt to different positions, and to think on their feet. It can also be a lot of fun and can help players to stay motivated and engaged with the game. Overall, playing blitz chess can be a great way to improve one’s chess skills and to become a stronger chess player.