How to use the Chess Clock
- Choose a time control: a preset such as 3 | 2 (3 minutes each, plus 2 seconds per move) or your own minutes and seconds.
- Place the device between the players. On a phone, the top half is turned upside down for the player across the table.
- The player with the black pieces taps their side to start White's clock.
- After each move, tap your own side to stop your clock and start your opponent's. On a keyboard, press Space.
- Press Pause to stop both clocks. When a clock reaches zero, that side turns red and an alarm sounds.
Time controls explained
A time control like 5 | 3 means each player starts with 5 minutes and gets 3 seconds added after every move. The second number is the increment. Common categories, based on how long a 40-move game takes:
| Category | Typical time controls | Feels like |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet | 1 | 0, 2 | 1 | Pure instinct. Pre-moves and fast hands. |
| Blitz | 3 | 0, 3 | 2, 5 | 0, 5 | 3 | Quick games, still room for a plan. |
| Rapid | 10 | 0, 10 | 5, 15 | 10 | Club favorite. Time to calculate. |
| Classical | 30 | 20, 60 | 0, 90 | 30 | Tournament chess, deep thinking. |
Increment, delay and Bronstein
- Increment (Fischer): after each move, the seconds are added to your clock. Used by FIDE and most online sites. You can build up time by moving fast.
- Simple delay (US delay): your clock waits a few seconds before it starts counting down each turn. Move within the delay and you lose no time, but you can't build up extra time. Common in US Chess events.
- Bronstein delay: after your move, you get back the time you used, up to the delay amount. The result is similar to simple delay.
Chess clock etiquette
- Press the clock with the same hand you used to move the piece.
- Complete your move (including promotion or castling) before pressing.
- Don't hover your hand over the clock, and don't bang it.
- If your opponent's time runs out, it's up to you to point it out.
The clock also works for any two-player game with turns, like Scrabble, Go, shogi, debates and board-game nights.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start the clock?
Tap either side to start the other player's clock. In chess, Black taps first to start White's clock, because White makes the first move.
Will my phone lock during a game?
In supported browsers, the clock keeps the screen awake while it's running. If your phone still dims, turn off auto-lock or increase the screen timeout before a long game.
Can each player have different times?
Not yet. Both players get the same time and increment. For a handicap game, give the stronger player fewer minutes on a second device.
Does it keep working in the background?
Yes. Time is measured against the clock, not by counting ticks, so it's exact even if you switch apps for a moment.
Does it work offline?
Yes. Once the page has loaded, it doesn't need the internet. Use Install the app at the bottom of the page to keep it on your home screen.