Premoves are a powerful feature on Chess.com that allow players to plan and execute their next move in advance, even before their opponent has completed their turn. This is particularly useful in fast-paced games like bullet or blitz chess, where every second counts. Enabling premoves can significantly enhance your performance by saving precious time. This guide will walk you through how to enable premoves on both the Chess.com website and the mobile app.
Understanding Premoves
Before diving into the steps to enable premoves, it’s important to understand how they work. A premove is a move you select in anticipation of your opponent’s move. Once your opponent’s move is made, your premove is instantly executed if it’s legal. This feature is particularly useful in time-limited games, as it eliminates the delay of making moves manually during your turn.
Enabling Premoves on the Chess.com Website
To enable premoves on the Chess.com website, follow these simple steps:
- Log in to Your Account: Open your preferred web browser and visit Chess.com. Log in using your credentials.
- Access Settings: Once logged in, click on your profile icon or username in the top-right corner of the screen. From the dropdown menu, select “Settings.”
- Navigate to Live Chess Settings: In the settings menu, locate and click on “Live Chess.” This will open a page with various options related to live gameplay.
- Enable Premoves: Look for the “Premoves” option within the Live Chess settings. Toggle the switch to enable premoves. Once enabled, your premoves will now be active in your games.
- Save Changes: Make sure to save your settings by clicking the “Save” button, if prompted.
- Test Premoves: Join a game and test the premove feature by selecting your next move before your opponent completes theirs. The move should execute immediately after your opponent’s turn.
Enabling Premoves on the Chess.com App
If you prefer playing chess on the go, the Chess.com app also supports premoves. Here’s how to enable the feature on the mobile app:
- Download and Open the App: If you haven’t already, download the Chess.com app from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS). Open the app and log in to your account.
- Access Settings: Tap on the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top-left corner of the screen. From the menu, select “Settings.”
- Go to Live Chess Settings: Within the settings menu, find and tap on “Live Chess.”
- Enable Premoves: Locate the “Premoves” option and toggle it on. This activates the feature for all your live games.
- Verify the Setting: Start a live game and try making a premove. If the feature is enabled, your premove will execute instantly after your opponent’s turn.
Tips for Using Premoves Effectively
While premoves can save time, they also come with a degree of risk. If you anticipate the wrong move from your opponent, your premove could lead to a disadvantageous position. To use premoves effectively:
- Plan Safe Moves: Only use premoves for moves that are generally safe, such as recapturing a piece or advancing a pawn in the endgame.
- Stay Alert: Be prepared to adjust your strategy if your opponent plays an unexpected move.
- Use Sparingly in Complex Positions: Avoid premoves in highly tactical or uncertain situations where accuracy is critical.
Enabling premoves on Chess.com can give you a significant edge in fast-paced games by saving valuable seconds. Whether you’re playing on the website or the mobile app, the steps to activate this feature are simple and straightforward. Remember to use premoves judiciously to avoid unnecessary mistakes, and enjoy a smoother, faster chess experience!