Premoves

Premoves are a feature in many online chess platforms that allow a player to enter a prospective move while the opponent is still making their own. The entered move is stored as a waiting move; when the opponent makes a legal move, the pre-move is automatically executed. If the opponent makes a move that would leave the pre-move illegal—such as capturing or deflecting the piece involved—the pre-move is cancelled and the player must then click or enter a new move. This mechanism speeds up gameplay by reducing the time a player spends clicking during the opponent’s thinking phase.

The concept of premoves has its roots in earlier computer chess systems and was adopted widely by major online servers in the early 2000s. It is particularly valued in rapid and blitz time controls, where the ability to act quickly can influence the outcome. Features may differ between servers; some allow only a single pre-move, while others support a queue of multiple pre-moves. Certain servers also provide visual indication, such as subtle shading of the intended square, to help users keep track of pending moves.

Critics argue that premoves can lead to mistakes due to hasty entry, especially when a board position changes dramatically during the opponent’s turn. They can also reduce the experiential learning component, as players may rely on automation instead of actively evaluating positions. Despite these concerns, premoves remain a popular tool for players seeking to maintain rhythm and reduce latency in online matches.