Online chess games are sorted by how much time each player gets. Bullet and Blitz are very fast, Rapid gives ten minutes or more per player, and Daily gives you days to make each move. For a returning player, we recommend Rapid or Daily: they're the most relaxed, and they give you time to think.
This is part of our complete guide to returning to chess after decades away.
Why games have clocks
Across a real board, you might play without a clock at all. Online, nearly every game has a time limit so that games finish and opponents aren't left waiting. If your time runs out, you lose, even if you were winning. That's why slower games are a good idea for returners.
The main types of game
Bullet
Very fast: usually a minute or two per player. Fun for experts, stressful for most beginners. Skip it for now.
Blitz
Fast: a few minutes per player. It's popular, but you often have to move almost instantly. Better saved for later, or never.
Rapid
Ten minutes or more per player. This is the most relaxed live option and the one we recommend for returning players. You can think, double-check your moves, and enjoy the game.
Daily (or "Correspondence")
You get days per move, like playing by post. It's perfect if you like to think, or if you only have time in short bursts. You can make a move over breakfast and come back tomorrow.
Different sites draw the lines in slightly different places, so check the exact limits on the one you choose.
How to read time settings like "10+5"
You'll often see two numbers. The first is the minutes each player starts with. The second is the seconds added after every move you make, called an increment. So "10+5" means ten minutes each, plus five seconds added per move. Increments are helpful because they stop you running out of time in a long game.
A good starting point for returning players is something like 10+5 or 15+10.
Tips for playing with a clock
- Keep an eye on your clock, but don't let it rush you. Early on, use your time to avoid mistakes
- Use the four-question check before each move. See how to stop blundering pieces
- If you're losing on time a lot, choose a slower setting
- If you don't like clocks at all, try Daily games or play the computer with no clock
What about the rating?
Your rating is separate for each type of game. A Rapid rating won't match a Blitz rating, and that's normal. See how chess ratings work.
Where to play
Both Lichess and Chess.com offer all of these formats. If you're still deciding where to play, see Lichess vs Chess.com for returning players, and how to set up your first account.
A calm way back
Back To Chess: The 30-Day Comeback Plan suggests exactly which kind of game to play at each stage, from your first game against the computer to your first game against a real person. It's £3.47, with no subscription and no pressure.
Or take the free Chess Openings Quiz to find an opening to try in your next Rapid game.
