Chess Clock
How to use the chess clock
Pick a time control, or enter your own minutes and increment, and the clock opens full screen. Black taps first to start White's clock. After each move, tap your own side to stop your time and start your opponent's. You can pause, reset or change the time control between games.
Time controls
- Bullet: under 3 minutes each, such as 1 | 0 or 2 | 1.
- Blitz: 3 to 9 minutes each, such as 3 | 2 or 5 | 0.
- Rapid: 10 to 60 minutes each, such as 10 | 0 or 15 | 10.
- Classical: long games, such as 90 minutes with 30 seconds added per move.
Frequently asked questions
What does 5 | 3 mean?
The first number is the minutes each player starts with, and the second is the increment in seconds. In 5 | 3, both players start with 5 minutes, and 3 seconds are added to your clock every time you make a move.
Who starts the clock?
Black starts the clock, which starts White's time. In this app, either player can make the first tap, and it always starts the other player's clock.
What happens when time runs out?
Your side of the clock turns red and shows "Time". Running out of time loses the game, unless your opponent has no way to checkmate you, in which case the game is a draw.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes. Lay the phone flat beside the board. The top half is turned upside down so the player across the table can read it, and the screen stays on while the clock runs. On a laptop, Space ends your turn and Escape pauses the clock.
Is the chess clock free?
Yes. It is free to use, and you do not need an account.