The way that flagging is set up here I think it's an unneccessary advantage going to a random side. At times, I can make all my premoves before my opponent and effectively not lose any time. I know my opponent is sitting on the other end trying to move as fast as possible too, so it's not like I'm outpacing him- my connection just allows me to move faster and it gives me a huge advantage that a lot of the time can be converted into flagging.
Other days, there is lag so even if I make my premove right away time will disappear from my clock. Those days I'm flagged a lot.
I feel like it is an unnecessary element of the game that is not so fun, but I'm not sure much can be done about lag anyways, especially when it comes to shorter time controls.
Speaking as someone who already does this; if you have a problem with your time management - just play with increment.
I hate getting flagged because usually its in positions where you would dominate your opponent given more time, ie. you are technically the better player.
And yet I dont see an issue with it as you made a conscious choice to play in a specific time control and if you run out of time its because you did not manage your time correctly, your opponent is simply punishing you for it the same way they would take advantage of a positional blunder you may have made. 😉
Nobody should be annoyed by their opponent following the rules agreed upon when starting a game. Quality of play is a function of time invested (to some extent anyway). If your opponent plays very fast try to take advantage of any tactical mistakes. If you lose anyway accept that your opponent played better that game.
I am a dirty Flagger if I am in a bad mood ;x
Flagging shouldn't be considered as bad sportsmanship in my opinion. Both players have agreed to a time control, and if one player doesn't manage their time correctly and loses on time in a completely winning situation, they only have themselves to blame. Of course, that above statement applies to rapid/classical games. But bullet/blitz games are a whole different thing, where a lot of the wins you get rely on flagging.
The clock is my best piece. That should clarify my stand on flagging.
