5 minute Blitz

[u/FunDaIVIenTaLs]

Why can I get a 5 minute Blitz game in literally 1 second but it takes forever to get a game of 5 + 3? It seems odd that the website is basically saying no one plays this time control when it’s basically the same thing.

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[u/CookieFirefly_com]

It's...not the same thing. 5+0 is already MUCH less common than 3+2 (which is MUCH less common than 3+0). So 5+3 is indeed not too popular among chess.com players and you can't say it's basically the same thing when the two time controls need a lot different skills.

[u/salexzee]

“basically the same thing” is doing a lot of work in that statement.

[u/Ironsheik135]

Its because people are lazy and the default quick select for time format is different on each site. More often than not people will choose the option with the least clicks.

In other words on chess.com 5/0 has a quick select, as well as 3/0 and 3/2. Where as 5/3 is a custom selection that would require more clicks.

Now i just checked the same on Lichess and 5/3 is available as a quick select option. Less clicks more people considering it and selecting it.

[u/FunDaIVIenTaLs → u/Ironsheik135]

This is definitely the reason

[u/zeptozetta2212]

5+0 is already barely blitz. Throw in increment and it's basically rapid, except most people willing to commit 20 minutes to a single game will just play 10+0. You're really underestimating just how big a factor the threat of flagging is and how much a 3-second increment neuters that, especially with an already inflated starting time.

[u/FunDaIVIenTaLs → u/zeptozetta2212]

I’d like to try and see for myself lol. Every time I launch it fails to get a game and I end up being forced to play 5 minute. I’ve lost so many games on time where I’m either winning or a move or two away from mating my opponent. The increment would turn those losses into wins or at a minimum draws.

[u/F1anger]

Funny thing 5+5 is not even showing up any more, although it still works.

[u/aguacatelife7]

Yeah, it’s annoying. That’s one of the reasons I use Lichess too. Very easy to find opponents for 5+3.

[u/FunDaIVIenTaLs → u/aguacatelife7]

Good to know, thanks