Chess Patterns ❯ Body And Mind ❯ Time Pressure

Time Pressure

When your opponent is under Time Pressure, their ability to make well-thought-out moves decreases significantly. This can lead to careless mistakes, missed tactics, and suboptimal moves. They may also experience heightened stress and anxiety, further impairing their judgment.

When your opponent is Under Time Pressure, you should: (1) Keep the position complex to increase the likelihood of them making mistakes, (2) Maintain your composure and avoid rushing your own moves. When you are Under Time Pressure, you should: (1) Prioritize making reasonable moves quickly over finding perfect ones, (2) Simplify the position when possible to reduce calculation needs, (3) Use your opponent's thinking time to plan your next moves, (4) Stay calm.

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Know What to Do When Under Time Pressure

When we started adding a playful touch to chess learning, we looked through thousands of videos and hundreds of books to find the best resources out there. Here's our curated selection of the best content we encountered on situations in which players are Under Time Pressure. We also included some smaller creators who are growing fast and we believe deserve your attention. Check out these resources if you want to master this type of situation.

5 Tips to Play Better Under Time Pressure in Chess
Watch this video by MicheChess to get some good and actionable suggestions on how to handle this very common situation.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE
BUILDING HABITS for BULLET | 0-600 ELO
A fun series of videos by the much-beloved GM Hambleton on Chessbrah that teaches you how to get better in bullet games and in general in low-time situations.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE
How To Be Lucky In Chess: Be A Time Scramble Beast*
Watch this great Chess.com lesson by GM Naroditsky and learn to apply the most important strategies when you and your opponent are under time pressure.

WATCH ON CHESS.COM
Complete Book of Chess Strategy*
Another excellent chess book from a truly passionate master. Jeremy Silman breaks down complex concepts with incredible clarity. Whether you're a novice or an intermediate, this book is a must-have.

GET IT ON AMAZON
The Seven Deadly Chess Sins*
This is a different type of chess book. Jonathan Rowson takes a unique approach and delves into the player's mind, teaching you to rethink your entire chess mindset. For the true lovers of the game.

GET IT ON AMAZON