How to Stop Losing on Time: A Guide for Adult Chess Players

How to Stop Losing on Time: A Guide for Adult Chess Players
by FIDE Trainer Darko Polimac

If you’re an adult chess player struggling with time management, you’re not alone — and the good news is, this problem can be solved.

Take my student Jim, for example. He’s 71 years old, based in the USA, and has a classical rating of 1700 on Lichess. His rapid rating, however, is closer to 1400. Why the gap? Because many of his rapid games are lost not on the board, but on the clock.

Jim's case is not unique. Many adults, especially those returning to chess or learning it later in life, find that they need more time than the clock allows. The pressure leads to rushed decisions, unfinished attacks, or simply flagging in completely winning positions.

The 5 Core Principles of Better Time Management

There are many articles about how to improve your time usage, but one of the best and most practical I've seen is the “Art of Time Management” by NM Jeremy Kane on Chess.com. The principles outlined there are not just theory — I’ve seen them work in practice, over and over again, with my own students.

Here’s a summary of those 5 essential principles, with some added thoughts from my experience as a trainer:

1. Don’t forfeit on time before the game starts

Many players are so afraid of making mistakes that they hesitate at every move. The fear of blundering becomes worse than blundering itself. You need to give yourself permission to play — not perfectly, but confidently.

Stop burning time in familiar positions. Trust your preparation and your instincts. Your clock is part of your resources — treat it that way.

2. Follow the 15-Second Rule

In non-critical positions, make a move within 15 seconds. This forces you to trust your intuition, avoid unnecessary overthinking, and save time for tactical or strategic moments that do require deep thought.

Not every position deserves three minutes of calculation. Some just need a good, practical move.

3. Slow down when you’re winning or completely lost

Winning? Convert carefully. Lost? Make it difficult for your opponent.

Many players panic when they’re ahead and rush their moves, only to let the advantage slip. Others resign mentally when they're worse, speeding up and making it easy for the opponent to finish the game.

Take your time in both cases. You're still in the fight.

4. Optimize your checkmating technique

You’d be surprised how much time is lost in simple endgames because players haven’t mastered the basics.

If it takes you 45 seconds to remember how to checkmate with a queen or rook, that’s 45 seconds wasted. These endings should be automatic. Mastering them builds confidence and can make the difference in a time scramble.

5. Anticipation beats pre-moving

You don’t need to pre-move. What you need is to think on your opponent’s time.

Before they move, ask: “What are their candidate moves? What will I do in response to each?”
By the time it’s your turn, you already know what to do. That’s how you stay ahead of the clock.

Bonus Insight from Experience: Tactics = Speed

Here’s one point I must add from my own coaching work.

Over the years, I’ve noticed something consistent: players who are good at tactics are usually faster decision-makers. Why? Because they’ve seen the patterns before. They don’t need to “solve” each position from scratch — they recognize ideas instantly.

Tactical training and strategic study build your pattern library. The more patterns you know, the faster you play. It’s that simple.   Here is the example please watch https://youtu.be/4EfSymvT59M?si=n1jCrU5E66kYHZx3    

Final Thoughts

Whether you're 25 or 75, it’s not too late to improve your chess — or your time management. You just need the right tools, habits, and guidance.

If this sounds like you, and you're ready to stop losing on time and start playing with confidence, I invite you to book a free trial class with me. I’ll go through your games, identify key areas for improvement, and help you build a clear plan forward.

Now something that is minor but important - check the speed of your mouse this is very important too. 

👉 Book your free session here

See you soon — and let’s make the clock your ally, not your enemy.

Warm regards,
FIDE Trainer Darko Polimac

Extra topic 

🎉 Happy Belated Birthday to Judit Polgar! 🎂♟️

Just four days ago, we celebrated the birthday of the greatest female chess player of all time, Judit Polgar — a true legend, trailblazer, and inspiration to players of all ages and genders.

Judit didn't just break records — she shattered stereotypes. The only woman to ever break into the world’s top 10 players, she defeated 11 world champions during her career, including Kasparov, Karpov, Anand, and Carlsen. She showed the world that in chess, the board sees no gender — only brilliance.

Wishing you continued happiness, success, and thank you for everything you've given to the game, Judit! 🙌

♟️ Happy Birthday to a true queen of chess! 👑

Interesting. I play 10 0 and often run out of time in the endgame. The 10 5 control is very helpful but you often have to wait a long time for a match.

Thank you

Yes, that is true, the 10 0 is much more popular than 10 05

I've been playing for 1 year this month August, I have settled on 15/5 for my rapid time. I also turn 67 this month. My daily rating, I usually have a one day game going, has increased above 1000, my rapid has dropped back into the 300s, mainly due to time. So, I play less rapid, also not helpful. I lost a game today, way head in material, way behind in time. Thanks for info, I'll start applying, and playing more rapid, regardless if I win or not. As a watercolor artist CHESS engages the left side of my brain. Whis undoubtedly is needed.

😀