In a recent article, @stayoutoftherz confirmed that the upcoming Friday Hivechess tournament will be a bullet edition with a time control 2+1; some may like it, and some may not. But one thing is certain, it is going to be exciting. To read more from the article and how to participate, click here.

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How to prepare

1. Timing

Time goes down fast, and each second is a precious commodity. In bullet chess, where games are decided in minutes, preparation is as important as the point you gain from winning a game. To thrive in a bullet chess tournament, one must be ready to be tactical, sack a piece or pieces when time trouble comes, and be technically ready for whatever may happen next.

2. Begin with the basics

Familiarize yourself with a handful of solid openings for both white and black. Go for lines or variations that are easy to remember and lead to positions you’re comfortable navigating quickly. Avoid overly complicated systems; simplicity is your friend when seconds are slipping away. Practice these openings repeatedly until they become second nature, allowing you to make the first 10-15 moves almost intuitively. Remember, no one is above falling for opening tricks or traps in bullet chess.

3. Activate your Tactical Vision.

Solve puzzles daily to sharpen your ability to spot threats and opportunities in an instant. Lichess offers a wide range of tactical exercises. You can also participate in their puzzle racer, where you get to solve as many puzzles as possible within a limited time while competing with other players. The goal is not just to find the right move but to find it swiftly. Over time, your brain will learn to process positional patterns with lightning speed, a skill that will serve you well in the heat of competition.

4. Time management is crucial.

Play practice games with time increments similar to the tournament’s time control (2|1). Focus on maintaining your playing pace early on in the game, avoiding time trouble in the early stages. Learn to premove effectively, especially in predictable positions. Premoving can save precious seconds, but be cautious; it can also backfire if your opponent deviates unexpectedly.

5. Mental preparation is equally important.

Bullet chess is filled with chaos, and mistakes are part of the game. Train yourself to stay calm under pressure. After a loss, resist the urge to dwell on it; instead, reset and focus on the next game. Having your favourite song or playlist playing in the background while playing can help with the pressure. It works for me, and that is what I plan on doing as well.

6. Ensure your tools are set.

A stable internet connection is non-negotiable. Test your equipment beforehand, including your mouse and phone screen, to avoid last-minute disruption, and close unnecessary applications to minimize distractions and lag.

In the end,

Don't forget to enjoy the game. Chess is filled with wins, losses, and draws, but the love for the game is what keeps chess players going despite the result.

See you all on the BattleField.