
How to Avoid Time Trouble in Chess
Time trouble is a common problem among chess players, including myself. In this blog, we will explore various ways to avoid it and use the time effectively.Reasons for Time Trouble and How to Avoid It
1. Opening Preparation
Having good opening preparation and a solid understanding of the resulting positions can save a lot of time, allowing you to use it more effectively in the later stages of the game. A notable example is Gukesh vs. Ding in the World Championship match, where Gukesh's preparation put a lot of pressure on Ding's clock.
When faced with a surprising move in the opening, don’t panic. Focus on finding logical moves and avoid overthinking. Good preparation and staying calm are key to handling unexpected positions efficiently.
2. Using the Candidate Moves Method
The candidate moves method is a proven way to find the best move in any position. For those unfamiliar with this concept, I’ll explain it in detail in a separate blog. Despite knowing its effectiveness, we often avoid using it because it seems time-consuming. However, this is a myth. Calculating using the candidate moves method can actually reduce unnecessary calculations.
To incorporate this method effectively, you need to consciously practice it during training. Over time, it will become a natural part of your decision-making process in tournaments.
3. Using the Opponent’s Time
Many players fail to utilize their opponent’s thinking time effectively. Instead of analyzing the position, they might walk around or let their mind wander. Remember, in a classical game, you’re not just playing with your 90 minutes; you can also use the opponent’s 90 minutes.
By thinking during your opponent’s time, you can save your own time for critical moments in the game.
4. Avoiding Unnecessary Variations
A common mistake is calculating unnecessary variations. Often, these lines have errors early on, but we fail to notice and continue calculating deeper. Calculating long variations is rarely needed unless the position is highly complex. Instead, evaluate the position and move on to the next line to save time.
5. Improving Concentration
Lack of concentration is a significant contributor to time trouble. While you may be looking at the position, your mind might be elsewhere. This habit is difficult to change instantly, but it can be controlled with meditation and conscious effort.
Stay focused on the board and practice keeping your thoughts aligned with the game.
Conclusion
In this blog, I’ve covered different reasons why we lose time during a game and how to address them. This isn’t just advice for readers; it’s also a personal reminder since I often struggle with time trouble myself. For those who have made it a habit, overcoming it may be challenging, but for younger players, developing effective time management skills early on will be easier.
Comments are welcome. See you in the next blog with more insights. Happy learning!
More blog posts by hari2209

My Lessons #1 - Overestimating the Opponent
There are always some psychological aspects involved in chess. One of the most common mistakes playe…
Sacrifice Now, Win Later: Long Term Sacrifices
Giving up material for a long-term edge is a high-level chess skill. Learn when and how these sacrif…
Interesting Opening Ideas from Tata Steel Masters 2025 (Round 1-7)
In this blog, we’ll dive into some interesting opening ideas that emerged during the first half of t…