A: All of us would love to be able to play chess every day, however unfortunately the so-called "real life" often gets in the way. Which is why players can postpone their games when they need more time because something in their life is preventing them from playing chess. Having said that, we also limit how often and for how long games can be postponed, in order to prevent abuse of the game postponement feature.
Players can postpone their games for many valid reasons (due to holidays, vacation, illness, too busy at work, a new baby, broken computer, no internet access, etc., or simply to take a break from chess). Because games can take weeks or even months to be completed, it is not unusual that something will happen in one's life that will take priority, or will otherwise preclude one from making their moves, often due to circumstances beyond one's control. The majority of players also prefer to win by crushing their opponent on the chessboard, and not simply because their opponent was unable to make their move in time.
We do however have a number of limitations in the game postponement rules that prevent its abuse. Specifically, there is a "waiting period" after each postponement during which games cannot be postponed again. Also, if your opponent continues to make moves in any of his/her games during the postponement period, you will be able to cancel the postponement and restore the original time control for the game. The corresponding link will appear on the game page (above the chess board) that will allow you to cancel the postponement after your opponent makes 5 or more moves (in any of their games) during the postponement period.
Also, if you find your opponent's behavior annoying, you can always add them to your
ignore list.
» Complete
game postponement rules
