The Unsung Heros of Chess, Part 1: The Flagger

The promotion of my chess club has taken a heavy toll on my time and vigour. Due to these constraints, I have as you know, taken a lengthy leave of absence from my true passion, Chess writing. However, I have still been participating at least as an observer of the forums. 

For one to be a great Chess scientist, they must first be an observer, a learner. So in my absence, I did just that. I observed the forums, I tried to learn from other Chess analysts. Through observation I found a reoccurring complaint. The complaint, so fervently hateful in it's conviction, inspired me to blow the dust off my keyboard to write to you all today. 

The accused? The Chess Flagger. A common complaint goes as follows: I should have won, I had more material, my opponent only beat me because I ran out of time! And like Sheep following their Shepherd the Chess.com community bows in favour of the Accuser, and shuns the Accused. 

What I want to do today is write in defence of the Chess Flagger. One of the unsung heroes of Chess. For, not only is the game of Chess a wonderful sport of careful calculations, and positional considerations, but also one of time management. A sport where the clock is an enemy and a friend. A sport where time regulation, is as important as the most brilliant sacrifice or gambit. The Flagger, is the expert of space and time. He is the beginning and the end. Next time, let's not slander this prompt hero, but instead celebrate him for his punctuality. 

Perhaps youu should consider taking up needlepoint?

Why? What is needlepoint? 

All hail the mighty Flagger. May he light the path to heaven with his godly Flag. 

I like the rule that ads time to the clock for every move, so that if you are in a much better position you can just move an inconsequential piece around to gain time

speaking of time management, dear leader...but our rival chess club just threatened to cancel our match because we're taking too long to get our team together!

tl dr version or else the whole Vladimir's essay in one line:

time management is a skill too and thus, we shouldn't hate, but respect the flaggers

I think u should continue ur vacation

it's hobby hand sewing, often decorative.

Can staff please just delete these rubbish threads as they appear ?

All hail the mighty flagger as long as he doesn't flag me.

Thats where you take needles, and point them.

If one doesn't wish to deal with getting flagged, he should play a friendly unrated game of chess without clocks. 

I think you mean "Hear hear" 

Really? I'll check it out. 

I think you just messed up. 

See where thinking gets you....