Blitz chess builds speed but destroys calculation ability — balance with longer games

Per multiple chess improvement studies, players who exclusively play blitz (3-5 min) plateau earlier than players who balance with rapid (15+30) and classical (30+) games. Blitz reinforces pattern recognition but trains you to skip calculation. For improvement, play at least 2 rapid or classical games per week with full post-game analysis. Use blitz for fun, not growth.