Number of Games

If I had 1-2 hours a day to play chess on this site, would it be better to play:

a) 1-2 games at a time, carefully considering my moves and also using some of that time to analyze my past games.

b) 5-8 games at a time, so obviously playing more but of course spending 20% of the time I'd use in option (a) above on each game.

c) 30-40 games at a time. Where I'd probably look at each position pretty quickly and make a move but I'd be playing alot of positions.

Or is there a d) option?

To get better. To not make stupid blunders (as much). To have fun. And learn something about chess.

I have no aspirations of becoming a GM or NM or anything but it would be nice just to be a stronger player.

I'd say spend 3/4ths of your time on a-speed games and mix in half a day of b-speed games occassionally.

I have the same problem with time management. And I think I'm around your skill level...

In my experience, any more than 10 correspondence games is far too much. Either I devote far more time than I should to chess, I don't spend enough time and make obvious blunders(I've lost three queens that way, or one in six of my losses so far) , or I spend all my chess time on correspondence and don't get to learn the million other things needed to improve(openings, articles, etc.)

Hope that helps!

PS> Would love to challenge you after I finish my section of the Chess.com thematic tournament. 

So does that mean, bullet, blitz?

The one reason I have kindof steered clear of speed games is it just seems like I would learn nothing. I would make moves quickly and without thinking too hard about the situation. And I'd assume I'd make lots of mistakes. So, how would I learn from that?

draconlord: Yeah, throw me an invite and we can play.

I think you might be right on number of games.

Dear Jstu,

Option (d) is best, which is...

It stands to reason that if you only have beteen 1 & 2 hours a day to play the noble game, you should play one game only, online at 1 move min. per 24 hours. That way your game will become significant and more rewarding.

P.S. Choose an opponent from the other side of the globe, who is also marginally has a slightly higher rating. It adds to the tension of it all. The personal significance of the game will unfold, win, lose or draw.

5-8 games. Take my word for it, I'm playing +30 and it's very time-consuming, because chess is one of the few things I don't take for granted and do take very seriously.

Good thing I'm a bachelor with no kids and no job. This many games is an addiction. By the time I'm done with them I almost never have the energy to read chess books or any of the entertaining & instructive articles here.

H G Wells said that the way to really destroy Western Civilization was to teach everyone how to play chess correctly (as opposed to just teaching everyone the names of the pieces and how they move). I think he was on to something!

5 to 8 games. Repeat after me. 5 to 8 games. You are getting sleepy, very sleepy... 5-8 games...5 to 8 games...