When playing live chess, to what does the bonus time refer and how does it work?

Doesn't that mean you get that amount of time added on every time you make a move? It's usually a few seconds, I think...

I believe it is designed to compensate your time for lag

It's an increment. Every move, <bonus-time> seconds are added to your clock. Playing with a bonus more closely simulates OTB play and helps to ensure games are decided by chess skill rather than woodpushing skill. Typically, the bonus ranges from 0-15 seconds.

Sorry, I'm a bit of a novice I think... What's OTB play?

w_mihaly wrote: Sorry, I'm a bit of a novice I think... What's OTB play?

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 OTB = Over The Board

whats over the board play?

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It usually refers to tournament play in real life, where you actually face your opponent "OTB" - get it?  The tournament setting means slower time limits, regulation equipment, quiet playing area, and on-site tournament officials to ensure the rules are applied.

It is also sometimes used in the broader sense to include any face-to-face game, such as at a club.

i still dont get it !

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What don't you get?

• Live Chess time controls, or 
• Over-The-Board = playing with a physical chess board and physical pieces against a real person, face-to-face.

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 You must be kidding me, how could you not get it.  That was a perfect explanation!  It helped me.  Nice job explaining, although you probably should have just said Off Track Betting.