Chess Clock
Two-player timer for chess and board games
Bullet, Blitz, Rapid, and Classical presets with Fischer increment.
Time Control
Bullet
Blitz
Rapid
Classical
Special
Keyboard shortcuts:
Space - Switch / Start P - Pause R - Reset
What is a Chess Clock?
A chess clock is a device that tracks how much time each player has to make their moves. When you make a move, you tap your side of the clock to stop your timer and start your opponent's.
Our online chess clock works the same way - click your side after making a move. The clock shows time remaining, move count, and handles increments automatically.
Time Controls Explained
Bullet (1-2 minutes)
Ultra-fast games. Each player has 1-2 minutes total. No time for deep thinking.
Blitz (3-5 minutes)
Fast-paced games. Popular for casual play. Enough time for tactics but not deep strategy.
Rapid (10-30 minutes)
Balanced pace. Time for strategic thinking while keeping games reasonably short.
Classical (60+ minutes)
Traditional tournament pace. Used in serious competitive play with full time for analysis.
Understanding Increments
Fischer Increment
Time is added to your clock AFTER you make a move. Example: 5+3 means 5 minutes initial time, plus 3 seconds added after each move.
Bronstein Delay
You get "free" thinking time before your clock starts ticking. If you move faster than the delay, you don't gain extra time.
How to Use
Select Time Control
Choose a preset (Blitz 5+0, Rapid 10+5, etc.) or set custom times.
Start the Game
Click "Start Game" or press Space. Player 1 (left/top) goes first.
Make Moves
After each move, click your side of the clock (or press Space) to switch.
Game Ends
When a player's time reaches zero, they lose on time (flag fall).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fischer increment in chess?
The Fischer increment adds a fixed amount of time to your clock after every move you make. A 5+3 control means 5 minutes starting time plus 3 seconds added each move, so games are less likely to be decided purely by time scrambles.
What is the difference between blitz and rapid chess?
Blitz games give each player roughly 3-5 minutes for the whole game, so play is fast and intuitive. Rapid games give 10-30 minutes, leaving room for real strategic thinking while still finishing in well under an hour.
What happens when a player runs out of time?
When a clock reaches zero the player loses on time - this is called a flag fall. The exception is when the opponent has no way to checkmate with the material left on the board, in which case the game is a draw.
Can I use this chess clock for other board games?
Yes. Any two-player game that benefits from timed turns works well - Go, Scrabble, backgammon, Shogi, or even debate practice. Just set a custom time control and tap to pass the turn.
What time control is best for beginners?
Start with Rapid, around 10+5 (10 minutes plus a 5-second increment). It gives you enough time to think through moves without dragging the game out, and the increment keeps you from flagging in the endgame.