Ever stumbled upon a chess game labeled “15+10” or “15|10” and wondered what that meant? I remember being baffled too when I first got into chess. But once I understood it, it completely changed the way I viewed the game. Let's break down what this popular time control means and why it's such a favorite among chess enthusiasts.
What Does 15+10 Mean in Chess?
In a "15+10" time control, the "15" represents the base time each player gets at the start—15 minutes on the clock. The "+10" is an increment, meaning after every move you make, you get an extra 10 seconds added to your time.
This kind of system rewards thoughtful play while preventing games from being decided by frantic time scrambles. I still remember the first time I played a 15+10 game—I was so focused that I didn’t even notice my time going up after each move!
How 15+10 Time Control Works
Here's how a 15+10 game unfolds:
- Both players begin with 15 minutes on their clocks.
- When you make a move and press your clock, your countdown stops, and 10 seconds are added to your time.
- Your opponent’s clock then starts ticking with the same rules applying.
- This continues throughout the game—each move earns 10 bonus seconds.
While technically you could play forever if you move quickly enough, most games still wrap up in 30–40 minutes because players spend more than 10 seconds on complex positions.
Why Chess Players Love 15+10
The 15+10 time control strikes a beautiful balance between thinking time and fast-paced play. Here’s why it’s become a favorite:
- You get enough time to analyze tricky positions.
- Endgames are fairer since you’re less likely to lose purely on time.
- Most games are short enough to fit into a lunch break.
- You’re rewarded for efficient play, without harsh penalties for deep thought.
One time I was down to just 20 seconds, but the increment helped me carefully navigate the endgame and score a win. Without that, I’d have flagged in a winning position.
How 15+10 Fits into Chess Time Categories
Chess time controls fall into a few main categories:
- Bullet: 1–2 minutes per player. Super fast and chaotic.
- Blitz: 3–5 minutes per player. Still fast, but more manageable.
- Rapid: 10–60 minutes. This is where 15+10 fits perfectly!
- Classical: 60+ minutes per player. Great for deep thinking.
I started with classical games but shifted to rapid 15+10 as I wanted to improve and play more games in an evening.
Tips for Playing Your Best 15+10 Chess
If you're new to this format, here are a few practical tips to help you manage time effectively:
- Don’t blitz your opening—use your time to build a strong foundation.
- Spend more time in the middlegame on key tactical and strategic ideas.
- Try to save some time for endgames—you’ll appreciate that increment.
- When low on time, make good-enough moves fast rather than searching for perfect ones.
I once watched a club tournament where strong players lost due to poor time handling. The winners were those who understood how to use the increment wisely.
Where You Can Play 15+10 Chess
Want to try it yourself? You can play 15+10 games on platforms like:
- Lichess – Free, open-source, very popular.
- Chess.com – Offers daily tournaments and matchmaking.
- Most local chess clubs use 15+10 for rapid events.
In my local club, 15+10 night is always the most attended event—newbies and experienced players all love it!
Why 15+10 Might Be Perfect for You
If you’re looking for a time control that rewards skill but doesn’t take forever, 15+10 might be your sweet spot. It allows for quality chess without the stress of blitz or the grind of classical formats.
So give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to play.