Time Controls
What is a spite check in chess?
- Clock
- Practical
- Time
Spite check is a clock-management term: a harmless check given by a player who is about to lose the game, that serves no purpose other than to momentarily delay the defeat. 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.
Related terms
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