Playing my first chess game here

I am definately a newbe here and just wondering once I sign up, (paying customer), will I have more selection on playing times? Played my first game live and the longest time selection per player clock is 30mins.  Is it possible to play one hour games, per each players clock. For me to play at a higher level, I just need a little more time to play my best move.  I could live with thirty minutes, but there is always something distracting me with two kids in the house never know when I need to change my attention.  Thanks Bob

You could play correspondence/turn-based/whatever-else-they-re-calling-it chess.

You would think they would have the option to play games here, that would be timed just like actual OTB tournament games.

I thought you can play in a tournament here or am I wrong?

Echess tourneys only, not live ones.  Live ones would be SWEET!  I've heard them say they were working on getting live tournaments.

Oh yeh, almost forgot - welcome to chess.com GhostNight! 

Thank you louisiana, hope I get to play you once, glad the Saints won the Super Bowl!

Yes, as Padman says, if you make your own game challenge, you can specify the time limit you want.  The problem with longer limits is few people are looking for games that long, and you're unlikely to catch someone who sees your standing game offer and decides on a whim to commit to a game that long.

However, you might be able to arrange such games ahead of time, rather than seeking an opponent at the same time you want to play the game.  Check the groups-- there may be some for people who like long games, and if you joined such a group you could probably arrange games through their page and private forums.  Another idea is you might start a new public forum thread specifically for the purpose of attracting potential opponents for long games, and once you and a few similarly minded people find out about one another you can plan the best times to schedule long games together.