How to use the Blitz Chess Clock
- The clock starts at 3 | 2. Tap another blitz preset to change it.
- Place the device between the players. Black taps their side to start White's clock.
- After each move, tap your own side. On a keyboard, press Space.
- When a clock hits zero, that side turns red and an alarm sounds.
What counts as blitz?
Under FIDE rules, a game is blitz when each player has 10 minutes or less for the whole game, counting the increment over 60 moves. So 3 | 2 (3 minutes + 60 × 2 seconds = 5 minutes) is blitz, and so is 5 | 3 (8 minutes). Above 10 minutes, it's rapid.
Popular blitz time controls
| Control | Good for |
|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | The championship standard. The increment stops games ending on time in a winning position. |
| 3 | 0 | Fast and tense. Time trouble is part of the game. |
| 5 | 0 | The classic café and club game. |
| 5 | 3 | More time to think, still quick enough for a long session. |
Blitz tips
- Play your openings quickly and save time for the middlegame.
- With an increment, move fast in simple positions to build up time.
- Press the clock with the hand that moved the piece, and set it on the side of your writing hand.
Frequently asked questions
Is 5 | 3 blitz or rapid?
Blitz. 5 minutes plus 60 × 3 seconds is 8 minutes, under FIDE's 10-minute line.
Can I use a delay instead of an increment?
Yes. Choose Simple delay or Bronstein under Type.
Does it work offline?
Yes. Once the page has loaded, it doesn't need the internet.