WHat is bonus time ?

Can anyone tell me what bonus time is ?? really confused !

Time Controls - Games on Live Chess are always timed. Conventionally, there are two numbers required to describe the time control:

• the first move is how many minutes you have to make all of your moves.
• the second is how many bonus seconds you get for every move you make. 

So a time of 5 | 5 means five minutes for the game + 5 seconds of time added to your clock after each move you make.

Another example:

18 | 10 represents an 18 minute game, with 10 seconds bonus time per move. So if you make six moves really quickly, those 10 seconds add up to an additional minute on your overall time.

If you like, you can have a game with no bonus time at all:  18 | 0 is an 18-minute game (no bonus).

The most you can have is 120|60

Thanks a lot !

what is the advantage of using bonus time instead of just play time total ?

If you get into a completely won game (say 4P+K vs. K+B), the added bonus of five seconds per move will be enough to win the game. In a game with no bonus time, you could fall on time, which would be quite a disappointment.

its a big headache wen ur abt to win and the time gets screwd ! thanks loadsd !

That's probably something a bit different-lag compensation.