Does playing blitz degrade your skills?

this topic is probably way overdiscussed, but I have been wondering about it. I've been taking an interest in blitz and bullet games, and learning to move quickly. Now I've noticed that on my turn based (longer) games, that I am making more blunders and not taking the time to truly evaluate my position. Anyone else having this problem?

Yes, I've been there. I've heard many a strong player say Blitz is to Chess what McDonalds is to food. Others believe your playing strength drops 300-400 points if you are blitzing and your opponent is actually using his clock.

The few useful advantages of blitz are tactics training and opening practice. Even then => Blitz with a tournament-friendly time-delay like 5-5 (as opposed to 5-0). This way, you are also training for time-trouble moments in tournaments (assuming you play them) and helping keep your nerves steady.

ok, so tngerb, thanks for your prompt input. I have not grown up playing chess like you, unless you would count playing with my brother! Definitely not anything tournament or regulation. What you said is true, though. Since I have started playing blitz games I have really started learning more about openings, but the more I learn the more there is to learn...