Rapid / Blitz Chess Tips

Rapid / Blitz Chess Tips

1) Don't play too fast. First, build up your position. You can earn time when your position becomes better. You may learn this typical skill from Magnus Carlsen, the Hero. He plays the opening slowly unless he gets something to squeeze. 
2) Under your time pressure, simplify the position. In the opponent's time pressure, do the opposite, e.g., avoid exchange, make the position messy.
3) Do positional sacrifices (either to improve the position or destroy the opponent's position). Sacrifice is very effective in an opponent's time trouble, by the way. You may sacrifice even if the position becomes unclear. Because it is much harder to defend than to attack.
4) Use an in-between or intermediate move. Avoid stereo-type play. Don't re-capture immediately. You may find a forcing move in between, which may change the position in your favour. 
5) Choosing an opening for rapid/blitz is the key. Play such openings, which give your position sharpness. 
6) In inferior positions, play active defense. Try to make the position complex. Create imbalances such as Bishop vs knight, opposite side castle etc.
7) Don’t make long-term plans. Keep the position active and try to create pressure.
8) Use baby or little tactics whenever possible. When the position becomes tactical, focus on the forcing moves (Check, capture, attacking moves).
9) Manage your time smartly. Think about strategy in your opponent’s time and calculate variations in your time.
10) Always remember these 3 points. (A) In opening: – Development (B) In middlegame- Activity and in (C) Endgame- Material
Extra Tips: 

Sacrifice a pawn if you get attack or initiative. (Key point)

Best wishes

Regards

Bidyut Bikash Handique (Fide elo-2077)

Writer of the chess book "Must Know Chess Concepts To Become A Strong Player”