How to use the chess clock
- Choose a time control, or pick Custom to set your own minutes and increment.
- Lay the device between the players. On a phone, the top clock is flipped so both players can read their time.
- Black taps their clock to start White’s time. After each move, tap your own clock to start your opponent’s.
- Use Pause for breaks and Reset to start a new game. The space bar also switches turns.
Why play with a clock?
A clock keeps games moving and adds a layer of strategy: spend time on the hard decisions and move fast on the easy ones. Short time controls like blitz turn chess into a fast, exciting game that’s fun to watch and quick to replay.
Tips for playing on a phone
- Lay the phone flat between you, with each player’s clock facing them.
- Tap with the same hand you move with, so you don’t forget to hit the clock.
- Turn on Full screen to get rid of everything except the two clocks.
Looking for a fresh start position? Generate a random Chess960 setup, then start the clock.
Frequently asked questions
What does 3 + 2 mean?
Each player starts with 3 minutes, and 2 seconds are added to your clock every time you complete a move. That added time is called an increment, or Fischer increment.
What happens when time runs out?
The clock turns red, an alarm sounds, and both clocks stop. Under most rules, that player loses on time, unless their opponent can’t possibly checkmate.
Can I use it for other games?
Yes. Any two-player game with a time limit works, like Scrabble, Go, or speed rounds of a strategy game.
What's the difference between bullet, blitz, and rapid?
Bullet games give each player less than 3 minutes, blitz games 3 to 10 minutes, and rapid games more than 10 minutes and up to an hour.