Time Controls

What is a time pressure in chess?

  • Clock
  • Practical
  • Time

Time pressure is a clock-management term: time trouble. Having very little time on one's clock (especially less than five minutes) to complete one's remaining moves. Also called zeitnot. 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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