rapid is better because you have the time to think
NEW POLL: Rapid or Blitz?
Blitz/bullet is cool for the dopamine rush 😅 but reallistically rapid is the sweet spot between having time to think and not having super long games
Rapid values good play more than quick moves and is also closer to the standard classical time control and is generally regarded as better for improvement. The options are also greater in rapid whereas rapid ranges from 10-60 minutes while blitz is only time controls under 10 minutes. Many grandmasters also support this idea: "Blitz chess kills your ideas." – Bobby Fischer. "He who analyses blitz is stupid." – Rashid Nezhmetdinov. Kasparov went even further by saying not to play any time control below that of classical but some rapid time controls can be nearly meet to such with USCF sometimes making these time controls "Dual Rated". Rapid also increases the focus of a chess player and attention span which can translate to better work ethic and efficiency in real life situations.
Blitz chess does the opposite of this and rewards players for dubious openings such as the larsen variation of the from's gambit that will be completely stopped in a real classical game, and as a reminder, all OTB titles and major tournaments are classical and once again as a reminder, USCF allows these time controls to be dual rating meaning theoretically you have get an OTB title from purely playing rapid. Rapid is also better for improvement as both players will play better making the game not as simple because it is much less likely someone would purely hang a piece and encourages more precision and thought than blitz, overall improving your play more than blitz would.
Oh another ChatGPT
Rapid and chess.com statistics must agree with me because 10 min rapid is the most popular chess.com time control.
I believe Blitz does have its place, but longer games (rapid) are generally better for learning and overall improvement.