Blitzdauer

Blitzdauer, in German chess terminology, denotes the time available to each player to make all moves in a blitz game. It is determined by the time control chosen for a match or event and is a key factor distinguishing blitz from rapid and classical formats. The duration is usually expressed as a base time per player, sometimes with an increment per move.

Common formats include 3 minutes per player (often with a 2-second increment per move, denoted 3+2) and 5 minutes (5+0 or 5+3). In many events, a shorter category called hyperblitz or bullet uses 1 minute or less. With increments, a player’s total time can extend across the game as moves are played; without increments, the game tends to finish sooner.

If a player runs out of time, they typically lose the game, unless the position is such that the opponent cannot possibly checkmate by any sequence of legal moves (insufficient mating material). Time control also influences practical play: players face stronger time pressure, blunders are more common, and players may use pre-moves or speed-tested patterns to manage clocks.

Blitz durations are standardized differently across federations and tournaments, with FIDE blitz commonly employing 3 minutes per side with a 2-second increment, though formats may vary. Blitz sits between rapid and classical formats in pacing and strategic demands; it emphasizes quick decision-making, practical play, and time management.