Why Bullet Games?

Hello All -

I am admittedly a novice compared to many members here, so forgive me if this is a silly question.  What is the attraction and/or purpose of 5 min or less games?  I am comfortable with 10 min games but whenever I've tried quicker games my play has been abysmal.  Nearly every time I look in on anyone Master level or above playing an opponent of similar ability,  however,  it is ultra-fast.  Is there a teaching tool there I'm missing?

Thank you very much in advance for any replies.  I appreciate you giving your time to enlighten ME lol.

Sean Stewart

to play fast chess.

Okay,  but playing fast chess for fast chess' sake gains you no strategic advantage in a quote/unquote "standard" timed game,  does it?  If anything I would think playing faster in that situation raises the risk of a blunder.  If I'm not mistaken,  the tournaments for World Champion challenger and the match against said Champion aren't timed,  are they?

Rachell ,  I agree chess should have a rhythm and tempo;  no one finds a game between two opponents who chew their fingernails and agonize over their 2nd move on at all riveting.  As I mentioned earlier,  though,  I believe a 10 minute game provides steady play and requires some calculation on the fly while still allowing for tough positional choices.  At least I think so.  Maybe I just don't get it.

I see.  I wish I had your talent for rapid calculation.  Alas,  for me bullet or faster is tantamount to a 5 minute case of heartburn lol.  Thanks for taking the time ma'am.

It just kind of evolved that way for me, I started playing faster and faster time controls because you can play a lot of games in a short time. But I don't think it's great for improving your game, it's just a fun change of pace sometimes.

Let me ask you this,  then: do Masters and up play it just to change it up,  do you think - or is there something there that sharpens their game?  If you would rather not speculate I understand.  I wouldn't presume to speak for their motives myself.

i also prefer slower chess, in fact my turn-based is 1650 and my bltiz 1150 lol. chess is about thinking and it was meant to be played slowly. but it seems most people prefer blitz and bullet. blitz is fun i guess because it's a quick challenge but nothing more :P

bullet? it's not even chess but it's just my opinion :)

I tend to agree with you,  MDTR - but to each his own.  I am earnestly trying to improve my game,  however,  and I want to leave no stone unturned toward that end.  If there's some advantage or skill to be gained by continued,  ever-faster play....I want to know about it lol.

lol noob

I prefer slower chess.Having said this playing fast 5 minute games helps in improving the thinking when I play the 10 minute games ....

Guilty as charged.  And thank you for that meaningful contribution.

Really?  Interesting...

Apologies,  Rachell.  Missed your last.  You make perfect sense.  I can either strive for a general all-around competence,  or focus on one or two categories and work on those.

well professional chess players always do a small warm-up before their important games, especially when they have their mind too fresh(morning), but it's important not get a little tried in your warm-up lol

This is something like playing test cricket and also 50 overs a side and 20-20. A good cricketer is good in all formats and skills in one day cricket help a cricketer when he plays longer versions.SImilar is the case for fast and slow chess.....

Adilbala,  er,  I'll have to take your word on that lol.  I am an American redneck and as such know nothing about cricket...

MDTR,  can you elaborate on that?  What constitutes a small warm-up?

i won't because there is a lot of info about that lol. search things like 'warm up routine chess' :)

Will do.  Thanks for the tip.