Why the continued move towards games getting shorter and shorter? In the – long ago – old days 40 moves in 120 minutes was common. For a long time 40 in 60 or 90 minutes was typical, with a new clock added after every 40^th move.

 

I understand if people want to play blitz; game in 2 minutes, or whatever suits them. But why are sanctioned tournaments continually drifting towards that? Won't this lower the quality of play?

 

I haven't done a statistical analysis, but it seems that most casual club games – untimes, with each player thinking for as long as they feel necessary – last between 75 and 90 minutes. If this is correct, then it would seem that 40 in 60, with a new clock after every 40^th move, would be a reasonable limit to give for tournament games. If someone wants to play faster thanthat, then nothing is stopping them.

 

But why the continued move to shorter and shorter games in tournaments?

I think aliens may have something to do with it.  The media is too government controlled.

i don't think your observation is very accurate.  there are just as many standard time control tournaments. it's just that now there are action and blitz tournaments as well.  this makes for more chess!

why have an action or blitz tournament?  how many people have 2-7 days available to play a standard tournament?

probably because of the short attention...... what was the question?

i'm sorry, in the 30 seconds it took to read this thread my mind drifted

 can you repeat the question