Chess Clock
A clean, responsive chess clock for over-the-board play. Choose from standard presets - bullet, blitz, rapid, or classical - or set your own custom time and increment. Tap either side to switch clocks. Supports fullscreen mode for easy use on tablets and phones.
Professor Archer says: Time management is one of the most underrated skills in chess. I have seen countless students play brilliant moves for 30 minutes, then blunder everything in time pressure. Use this clock when you play practice games at home, and pay attention to how you distribute your time. The best players spend their time on critical moments, not routine moves.
Features
- Presets: Bullet (1+0, 2+1), Blitz (3+0, 5+0, 5+3), Rapid (10+0, 15+10), Classical (60+30)
- Custom time and increment settings
- Tap to switch - works on touch screens
- Fullscreen mode for tablet and phone use
- Pause, reset, and sound toggle
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the standard chess time controls?
Bullet is under 3 minutes per player, blitz is 3-10 minutes, rapid is 10-60 minutes, and classical is over 60 minutes. The most common online time controls are 3+0 (blitz), 5+3 (blitz with increment), 10+0 (rapid), and 15+10 (rapid with increment). The number after the plus sign is the increment - seconds added after each move.
What does increment mean in chess?
Increment is the number of seconds added to your clock after each move. For example, in a 5+3 game, each player starts with 5 minutes and gains 3 seconds after every move. Increment ensures that players always have some time to think, preventing games from being decided solely by who can move fastest.
Which time control is best for learning?
Rapid time controls (10-15 minutes with increment) are generally best for learning. They give you enough time to think about your moves carefully, but not so much time that games drag on. Professor Archer recommends 15+10 for students who want to improve, and 10+0 for those who want a faster-paced but still thoughtful game.