For online chess enthusiasts, especially those who play fast-paced time controls like blitz and bullet, mastering the art of premoving can be the difference between victory and defeat. Chess.com, one of the world’s most popular online chess platforms, offers this handy feature to help players save precious seconds on the clock. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide for how to use premoves effectively on Chess.com, ensuring that users can integrate this essential tool into their online gameplay.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Premoves on Chess.com allow a player to schedule their next move before their opponent has moved, saving valuable time in fast games. To use premoves, simply make a move during your opponent’s turn — it will automatically execute if legal when it’s your turn. Turn premoves on in your settings and practice them to avoid common mistakes. While risky if not used wisely, in the right situations premoves can dramatically improve time management.
What is a Premove?
A premove in online chess is a move that a player schedules to be made automatically once their opponent completes their move. Chess.com processes premoves instantly, meaning that zero time is taken off your clock when it’s your move — ideal in situations where every millisecond counts, such as blitz or bullet chess.
Why Use Premoves?
There are several reasons players make use of premoves:
- Speed: Allows players to move instantly, saving time on the clock.
- Pressure: Keeps pressure on opponents by maintaining tempo in fast-paced games.
- Predictability: Anticipation of an obvious move from the opponent enables accurate premoves.
How to Turn On Premoves on Chess.com
Before using premoves in a match, you must ensure the feature is enabled in your Chess.com settings. Here’s how to do it:
- Log into your Chess.com account.
- Click your avatar or username at the top right corner of the screen.
- Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
- In the sidebar, choose Live Chess.
- Scroll down to the section labeled Premoves.
- Check the box that says “Enable premoves”.
- Adjust how many premoves can be queued (optional but useful for advanced players).
Once this is enabled, you’re ready to start practicing premoves in your next live game.
How to Make a Premove During a Game
Making a premove during a game is straightforward and becomes second nature with a bit of practice:
- Wait for your opponent’s turn.
- While it’s still their move, click and drag your desired move on the board.
- Release the piece in its intended destination square.
- The piece will appear slightly transparent or outlined — this visual cue indicates a premove is set.
- Once your opponent moves, the premove will execute automatically, provided it’s legal based on the new position.
It’s important to remember that if the move you premoved becomes illegal (e.g., your opponent captures the piece you wanted to move), the premove will be canceled and you’ll have to move manually.
Multiple Premoves (Queueing Moves)
Chess.com also allows users to queue more than one premove in a row — a technique especially helpful in bullet games. To use this feature effectively:
- Make the first premove in the same way as described above.
- Before your opponent responds, create additional premoves — up to the limit you set in your settings.
- Each move will trigger automatically, provided all of them are legal according to the evolving game state.
Warning: Be cautious with queued premoves, as unexpected opponent moves can derail your sequence quickly and lead to blunders.
Tips for Using Premoves Safely and Effectively
While premoves can be a powerful weapon, they can also be dangerous. Here are several tips to help make the most of this tool without falling into traps:
- Only premove when the opponent’s response is predictable. For example, during a known tactic like a forced recapture.
- Avoid pre-moving in complex positions. Unexpected moves can render your premove catastrophic.
- Use premoves near the end of the game. When the board is less cluttered and more predictable, premoves can help secure time victories.
- Learn from experience. Practice makes perfect — the more you use premoves, the better you’ll understand when and how to use them.
Limitations of Premoves
It’s important to understand what premoves can’t do:
- They don’t adjust based on the opponent’s move. If you predict incorrectly, your premove might make an illogical or losing move.
- They won’t execute illegal moves. If the context changes and your set move becomes illegal, it simply won’t happen.
- They should not be used in correspondence or daily chess, where time isn’t a factor, and deeper analysis is needed over speed.
Advanced Premove Strategies
Advanced users can combine the power of premoves with good calculation and positional awareness. Here are some advanced strategies:
- Using premoves in endgames: Forcing sequences like king chases and pawn promotions are ideal for premoving.
- Preemptive defense: If you know your opponent must move a piece into a threat zone, premove a defensive counter-move.
- Checkmate premoves: In time scrambles, premove forced mates in one or two moves — lethal and speedy when correct.
Pro-tip: Many titled players win bullet games purely through precise usage of premoves and superior time management.
Conclusion
Premoving on Chess.com may seem like a simple trick, but doing it wisely requires foresight, caution, and a deep understanding of predictable positions. When used effectively, especially in fast time controls, it’s a strategic tool that enhances time efficiency and increases the number of games won on time. Whether you’re a seasoned blitz veteran or new to bullet chess, training with premoves will undoubtedly sharpen your online gameplay and reaction times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Is premoving allowed in all game types on Chess.com?
A: No, premoves are only available in live chess games like blitz and bullet. They’re not used in daily or correspondence games. - Q: Can I cancel a premove after setting it?
A: Yes. Simply right-click or drag the piece back to its original square before your opponent moves to cancel the premove. - Q: Do premoves cost any time on the clock?
A: No. If the premove is legal and successfully executes, it takes zero time off your clock. - Q: What happens if I premove an illegal move?
A: The premove is automatically canceled and you’ll have to make a manual move. - Q: How many premoves can I make in advance?
A: Chess.com allows you to queue multiple premoves based on your settings — the default is usually one, but can be increased through preferences.
