How to use the online chess clock
- Choose a time control. “5+0” means 5 minutes per player, “3+2” means 3 minutes plus a 2 second increment per move.
- Put the device between the players. On a phone the upper clock is turned around, so both players can read their time.
- Black taps first: this starts White’s clock, just like on a real chess clock.
- After each move, tap your own clock. Your time stops and your opponent’s time runs.
- When a clock reaches zero, it turns red and a sound plays: that player has lost on time.
Time controls at a glance
| Category | Typical controls | Game length |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet | 1+0, 2+1 | about 2 to 4 minutes |
| Blitz | 3+0, 3+2, 5+0, 5+3 | about 6 to 15 minutes |
| Rapid | 10+0, 10+5, 15+10 | about 20 to 60 minutes |
| Classical | 30+0, 60+0 and longer | 1 hour and more |
You can also enter your own minutes and increment, for example 25 minutes with 10 seconds per move for a club rapid game.
What is increment?
With increment (also called Fischer time, after Bobby Fischer) a player gets extra seconds every time they complete a move. With 3+2 you start with three minutes and gain two seconds per move. This keeps endgames playable and avoids losing a won position only because the clock runs out.
Chess clock or chess stopwatch?
Many people search for a chess stopwatch, but a stopwatch counts up. In chess each player has a countdown, and pressing your side stops your time and starts your opponent’s. That is exactly what this chess stop clock does.
Features
- Exact timing: the chess timer measures with your device’s clock and shows tenths of a second in the last ten seconds.
- Move counter for each player.
- Pause for questions to the arbiter or a break, and fullscreen for big, readable digits.
- Screen stays on while the clock runs, where the browser allows it.
Not playing chess? The two clocks also work for Scrabble, Go, debates or any game with turns. To time a single activity, use the stopwatch or the online timer.
Frequently asked questions
Is this chess clock free?
Yes. The online chess clock is free, works without an account and runs in any modern browser on phone, tablet and computer.
Who presses the clock first?
In over the board chess, Black starts the clock, which starts White’s time. Here it works the same way: the first tap starts the other player’s clock.
What does 3+2 mean?
Three minutes per player for the whole game plus a two second increment after every move. The first number is minutes, the second is the increment in seconds.
What happens when time runs out?
The clock turns red, shows 0:00 and plays a sound. Under the usual rules the player whose time ran out loses, unless the opponent cannot checkmate anymore.
Can I use it for blitz and bullet?
Yes. Presets cover bullet (1+0), blitz (3+0, 3+2, 5+0, 5+3), rapid (10+0, 10+5, 15+10) and classical games, and you can enter any other time control.