Chess clock
A free online chess clock. Pick a time control, then tap a player's side to start the opponent's clock. On a phone the two sides face each other, so you can lay it flat between the players. On a keyboard, press A or left Shift for the left player and L or right Shift for the right.
Time controls
| Type | Typical controls |
|---|---|
| Bullet | 1 | 0, 2 | 1 |
| Blitz | 3 | 0, 3 | 2, 5 | 0, 5 | 3 |
| Rapid | 10 | 0, 10 | 5, 15 | 10 |
| Classical | 90 minutes + 30 seconds per move, and longer |
Questions people ask
How do you use a chess clock?
Each player has their own countdown. After you move, press your side of the clock: your time stops and your opponent's starts. If your time runs out, you lose on time (unless your opponent can't possibly checkmate).
What does 3 | 2 mean?
3 minutes per player for the game, plus a 2-second increment added to your clock after every move you make.
Which hand should press the clock?
Under FIDE rules you must press the clock with the same hand you used to move.
What are bullet, blitz and rapid?
Common definitions: bullet is under 3 minutes per player, blitz 3 to 10 minutes, rapid 10 to 60 minutes, and classical longer than that.
Also useful for Scrabble, Go and debates: any game where each side has its own time.