Time Controls

What is a premove in chess?

  • Clock
  • Practical
  • Time

Premove is a clock-management term: in online chess, a move input that is made during the opponent's turn, to take effect only after the opponent has moved. Premoving, the act of making premoves, is a popular way of saving time in blitz and bullet formats. The practical skill is choosing moves that fit the clock without ignoring tactics.

What to look for on the board

  • Clock pressure.
  • Whether increment changes risk.
  • Simple moves that keep control.

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