Advice on how to use the time my opponent is thinking

I sometimes play long time limit games, and there are times when the opponent is thinking for a few minutes. I generally waste this time as I do not know a good way to make use of it. Of course I cannot predict what they will play, but can anyone advise on good ways to use this time?

Perhaps a checklist of things to look at or assess, a sequence of things to do during this time, which happens a few times in each game.To a lesser extent it happens in blitz games too, sometimes there is 30 seconds or the best part of a minute while the other player is thinking that I am sure I could put to good use but I don't know the best way to do so.

Actually you can predict what way they will play a good deal of the time ,If not type there 1st 2 or the moves in google chrome ,and a least you,ll have an idea or 2 how to combat them !

But I noticed your an expert already 2K+,thats a strange Q to be asking from someone of your stature ,Maybe I misunderstood ?;^)

Well i agree with razzarrainbow, that is a strange question. I look at my opponet 's weak squares, look at my pieces and i try to compose a plan which will help me penetrate my pieces into those weak squares.

Thanks, my 2K is in daily chess, in talking about live (hence in this forum) where I find it much harder and I'm trying to bring my ratings up. Typically in 15/10 or 45/45 but applies also to blitz. I'm not sure being an expert in"daily" chess means the same as there is access to opening databases.

It's not legal to seek for external help while you are playing.

The best you can do is to simply think while your opponent is thinking too. If you have a good idea of what you want to do, your opponent might get into serious trouble.

Botvinnik (I think it was) said you should calculate variations on your time and look at general strategic issues on your opponent's time.  So you can make a general assessment:  what are each player's advantages and disadvantages?  What are their long-range possibilities?

I have to admit, though, that I generally calculate on my opponent's turn as well as my own.  I'm addicted to calculating.  So I either ask myself "If he makes an indifferent move, what will I do?" or find candidate moves for him and analyze them.

Thanks, that helps. Often the strategic evaluation changes little so it may make more sense to focus on calculating, especially if the position is wild.

I don't really play long games in online chess, besides correspondence, cause of the existence of Engines.

But I remember studying a lot how to use ones time in a game of chess.

15/10 is a rapid time control and 45/45 is standard time control and can take as long as 2 hours.

If you are playing someone a lot weaker then you and are up a rook on move 10 and they are wasting there time, I would start doing something else well my opponent waste time, like listen to music.

If you are down a rook on move 10 from a horid opening mistake, then either resign or hope the opponent gets way to cocky and does a mistake.

(I use a rook as a example cause I read a rook is the material deficit you should resign at, but there are casses where a rook down can still be played)

I'll make another post after I get the notes I did on using your time in a game.

I used to calculate continuously, long variations, just practice visualizing. As I got better, I stopped doing this. When my opponent is on move, movies often play through in my head, visions of winning, losing, the future, the best openings. So I meditate. Meditation means accepting the movie playing in your head and disconnecting from it. I start breathing slowly and deeply, and focus on my breath. The mind is a tool. When you are not using it, put it down, consciousness is the only essential piece for being in the moment. 

Whiles its my opponents turn to move i usually do any and all of the following:

Walk around

Watch other games

Visit the book store at the tournament

Potty break

Play Pai Gow

Grab something to eat/drink

I am a " sitter " and dont leave the board much during a game . When its my opponent's move I follow Botvinnik's advice more often than not .  I also try to find the best candidate moves for my opponent ( especially if there are few ) and try to determine how to meet them if he plays one of them . If its a position thats quiet and not forcing I think more along the lines Botvinnik recommended .