Blitz chess

Blitz chess is a variant of speed chess characterized by fast time controls, in which each player is allotted 10 minutes or less for all moves. The FIDE Laws of Chess define blitz as a game where "all moves must be made within a specified time of 10 minutes or less for each player," including any increment per move.

 Rules and time controls 
In over-the-board play, common time controls for blitz chess include 3 minutes with a 2-second increment per move or 5 minutes without increment. Games are governed by the same rules as standard chess, except that players must complete all moves within the allotted time. A player who exceeds the time limit loses the game, provided the opponent still has mating material.

Online chess platforms such as Chess.com, Lichess, and the Internet Chess Club use similar but sometimes broader classifications. Online blitz often includes games with time controls ranging from 3+0 (three minutes, no increment) to 5+5 (five minutes plus five seconds increment).

 Distinction from other time formats 
Blitz chess is distinguished from other fast chess formats primarily by its total time allowance:
 Bullet chess: under 3 minutes per player
 Blitz chess: 3 to 10 minutes per player
 Rapid chess: 10 to 60 minutes per player

 Competitive play 
Blitz chess is played both casually and competitively. The World Blitz Chess Championship is the premier international event for the format, typically held annually alongside the World Rapid Chess Championship. Notable champions have included Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Alexander Grischuk.

 Characteristics 
Due to the limited time available, blitz chess emphasizes quick calculation, pattern recognition, and intuition rather than deep strategic analysis. The format is widely regarded as a test of reflexes and tactical alertness, and it has gained immense popularity in online chess due to the accessibility of fast-paced play.

 Related pages 
 Rapid chess

 References 

Category:Chess variants
Category:Chess terminology
Category:Fast-paced board games
Category:Time controls in chess