Online chess: clocks, pre-moves and not losing on time

Chess online is the same game, but the clock and the interface add wrinkles that catch new players out. A little know-how saves a lot of lost-on-time heartbreak.

Respect the clock

Online games are timed, and running out of time loses even in a winning position. In faster time controls, play the moves you're sure of quickly and save your thinking for the moments that matter. If you're new, start with longer controls (10 minutes or more) so you have time to actually think.

Use pre-moves — carefully

In forced sequences you can queue your reply before your opponent moves, saving precious seconds. It's a huge time-saver in scrambles — but a pre-move plays no matter what, so never pre-move in a position where your opponent has a surprising reply.

Take the draw and threefold rules seriously

Online you'll meet threefold repetition and the 50-move rule as automatic draws. Know them: repeating the position three times, or 50 moves with no pawn move or capture, ends the game as a draw — useful to claim when you're worse, and to avoid when you're winning.

Settle on a time control you enjoy, keep half an eye on the clock, and treat online games as practice you can review afterwards. That's how the reps add up.