Recently I asked myself a similar question. What is the best time control in order to learn the most from playing daily games? I generally prefer 3 days/move. I worked out the following 3-step-procedure in order to get out the most of my games.
Daily Chess 3-step-procedure:
Day 1:
- Evaluate the position (+-, -+, =, =+-,...) -> Attack or defense?
- Brainstorming Candidate Moves
Day 2:
- Pick at least 2 candidates -> calculate them
- New ideas? -> Find at least 1 new candidate
Day 3:
- Double check calculated variations for tactics/ideas (also and especially for your opponent!)
- Pic move that results in the final position you like most
The basic idea is to always create new ideas every time you look at the position. There may be better strategies in order to play most successful. But in order to learn the most I believe this is a good procedure. The time between 2 steps doesnt necessarily have to be 1 day. You can reduce the time interval between 2 steps to up to 1 hour if you want to play faster. But I think in order to improve you should look several times with a fresh mind at the current position.
I use this method for a while and I like it. My general experience is, that it works well with a maximum of 15 - 20 simultaneous games. How do you like it? Are there any ideas you would add to my 3-step-procedure?
I really enjoy daily chess games because it allows me to think and analyse the position without any pressure. I started playing with 1 day for each move but I find it a little bit short if you want to play multiple games (e.g. 10 games) so then I switched to the 2 days settings which is the one I´m currently playing. 2 days is probably enough time because you are able to skip the first day in case you are busy with something else, also, 2 days avoids really long matches (e.g 7 days per move, of course I know it´s not necessary to use all that time) So after all this introduction I would like to ask you guys:
which time control do you use for daily chess games? how many daily games do you play at the same time?
Thanks for reading