How to improve at bullet! (for noobs)

Hello all, if you're a bullet player, there's a good chance you've seen me around on lichess before, possibly many times. These are a few pieces of advice I have for improving at speed chess.

Tip #1: Improving at slower chess

One thing I notice a lot in lower rated players is that a lot of them just play fast but without much attention to what's going on. I notice often times these people have much lower ratings in slower time controls. Now, I also have lower ratings in slower time controls, but it's not that drastic, and I see similar rating differences with other people around my rating. If you're stuck at a certain rating, and your blitz or rapid is much lower, try to improve in those first, and the bullet ratings will come up with them.

Tip #2: Predictive moving / premoving

This one is mostly gained through practice, but it's an important skill to have. Often times in bullet, if you and your opponent are low on time, sometimes the best move isn't the best move. In certain positions, I find it is better to play a random attack or check, based on what you think your opponent is going to do. A lot of the time you can figure this out by what people generally play in positions, and use it to your advantage. This doesn't always end in you gaining material or positional advantage, but if they foil the tactic, it will probably cost them precious time. And in bullet, time is everything.

Tip #3: Opening traps (and defending against them)

I personally enjoy playing traps in the opening (or just simple things to win pieces, if you've played me you know what I mean). They're not for everyone, of course, but I think that they can be useful in certain situations. But more importantly, knowing how to defend against these is also important. I know a few people who usually play the same or similar opening tricks, and I can usually defend them, even if they know how to come back from the position. I always try to make sure my king and queen are nice and secure in the opening, in case anyone tries something really aggressive. To each their own, of course, and if you have something you always play, stick to it, and learn every line of it.

Tip #4: Learning your opponents

This one mostly applies to hyper / ultra players, as there are less of us than there are standard 1+0 bullet players. It's not really that complex, just remember what players usually play, and plan to succeed from it. This doesn't work as much when you get to the higher level players (around my level and above), but it still can of course. The more you learn what certain players play, the more likely you are to beat them with consistency. By the time they've changed their system against you, hopefully you'll be good enough to be prepared for anything.

Conclusion:

I don't usually make serious posts about... well, anything! But I hope that this post helps you improve at speed chess, and at chess in general. Have an amazing day, week, month, year, and life. I love you all