Online Chess Clock - Count-Down Timer for Two Players

How to use this tool

1. Select a preset time control or set custom minutes and increment seconds.
2. Click Start or press Space to begin with Player 1's clock running.
3. Press the active clock or Space after each move to switch clocks. Press P to pause or resume, and R to reset while paused.
4. When a clock reaches zero that player loses on time.

Chess time controls

Increment vs. delay

This clock currently supports Fischer increment only. The delay descriptions below are a glossary; simple delay, Bronstein delay, and multi-stage tournament controls are not selectable in this tool.

• Increment: adds a fixed number of seconds to the clock after each move. A player with 30+2 gets 2 seconds added per move. Can build up time with fast moves.
• Simple delay: after a move, the player has a fixed buffer (for example, five seconds) before the main clock starts counting down. The buffer repeats on each turn and does not accumulate on the clock.

Fischer vs. Bronstein delay: the key difference

Both Fischer increment and Bronstein delay add the same number of seconds per move, but they work differently:

• Fischer increment: the time is added to the clock immediately after making a move. If you play fast, your time can grow. This is the standard in most modern online chess and FIDE tournaments.
• Bronstein delay: the added time is a buffer that counts off first before the clock starts decreasing. You cannot accumulate time beyond your current amount - the delay only compensates for time used, not more. Preferred by some for preventing time scrambles.

Tournament time control setup

These examples are reference only; this clock runs a single-stage time control:

• FIDE Classical: 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, then 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment starting from move 1 (40 moves / 90 min + 30 min + 30 sec/move).
• USCF Quick Chess: G/5 (game in 5 minutes, no increment) or G/10 with 2 second increment.
• Club rapid: G/15+10 (15 minutes + 10 second Fischer increment) is a popular club tournament format.

Time pressure strategy

• Flag hunting: in blitz and bullet, deliberately playing moves quickly to put your opponent in time pressure is a legitimate technique. Watch for moments when your opponent is low on time to press the clock immediately.
• Time trouble behavior: players in severe time trouble often make impulsive, weaker moves. If your opponent is in time pressure, even a quiet, non-forcing move can be effective because it forces them to spend clock time.
• Clock management: in classical games, aim to spend the most time on moves 25–40, where games are typically decided. Use the increment to stay afloat in the endgame rather than burning time on opening theory you should already know.