How to use the chess clock
- Pick a time controlTap a preset — 3+2 blitz is an online favourite — or set your own minutes, seconds per move and how they're added.
- Black starts White's clockWhen you're both ready, Black taps their own clock, or presses Space. White's clock starts and White makes the first move.
- Move, then pressAfter each move, tap your own clock — or Space, or your own Shift key on a keyboard — to start your opponent's.
- Watch for the flagUnder ten seconds a clock floods orange. At zero it turns red and the time's-up screen says whose flag fell.
Chess clock keyboard shortcuts
SpaceEnd the turn that's running (or start the game)Left ShiftThe left player ends their turnRight ShiftThe right player ends their turnPPause or resumeRNew game (when paused or finished)FFullscreen
On a laptop between two players, each has their own Shift key. Single-key shortcuts can be switched off in Settings.
Chess time controls, explained
| Control | What it means | Kind |
|---|---|---|
| 1+0 | One minute each, nothing added | Bullet |
| 3+2 | Three minutes each, plus two seconds after every move | Blitz |
| 5+0 | Five minutes each, nothing added | Blitz |
| 10+0 | Ten minutes each | Rapid |
| 15+10 | Fifteen minutes each, plus ten seconds a move | Rapid |
| 30+0 | Thirty minutes each | Classical |
The kind follows the time a 40-move game takes each player — the base plus 40 increments — the way the big chess sites sort games: under 3 minutes is bullet, under 8 blitz, under 25 rapid, and classical from there.
Increment or delay?
Three ways to add time, from 5:00 on the clock with a 3-second bonus. What's left after one move:
Increment (Fischer)
The bonus is added after every move, so quick moves bank time and your clock can go up.
- After a 2-second move
- 5:01
- After a 10-second move
- 4:53
Bronstein delay
The clock runs at once, then gives back the time the move used, up to the delay. It never goes up.
- After a 2-second move
- 5:00
- After a 10-second move
- 4:53
Simple (US) delay
The clock waits out the delay before it starts counting. A move inside the delay costs nothing.
- After a 2-second move
- 5:00
- After a 10-second move
- 4:53
Chess clock FAQ
Who presses first on a chess clock?
Black. When both players are ready, Black presses their own clock, which starts White's, and White makes the first move. Here, whoever taps first plays Black, and the two clocks are labelled White and Black from then on.
What happens when the flag falls?
The player whose clock reaches zero loses on time — unless the opponent can't possibly checkmate (a lone king, say), in which case it's a draw. The clock shows who ran out and stops both sides; the rules of your club or event decide the rest.
What does 3+2 mean?
Three minutes each for the whole game, plus two seconds added after every move you make. The first number is minutes per player, the second is seconds per move. Clocks and score sheets also write it 3 | 2.
What's the difference between Bronstein and simple delay?
Both stop quick moves from costing you time. With simple (US) delay your clock doesn't start until the delay has passed; with Bronstein it runs at once and gives back the time you used, up to the delay. Either way the clock never goes up, which is the difference from an increment.
Can we play with one phone between us?
Yes. Lay the phone flat beside the board: the clocks stack, the far one turned to face its player, and each of you taps your own half. Fullscreen hides everything else, and the screen stays on while the game runs, where the browser allows it.
Does it keep time if the screen locks or I switch apps?
Yes. Each clock is worked out from the moment its turn started rather than from ticks, so it's right the instant you come back, and a reload picks the game up where it was. Keep the screen on during a serious game so the flag is seen when it falls.
Can I open it with a time control already set?
Yes. Type “chess clock 5+3” in TimerHub's search, or add it to the address — /chess-clock?base=5&inc=3 — and the clock opens at 5+3. Add &mode=delay or &mode=bronstein for a delay.
Is the chess clock free?
Yes: no ads, no account and nothing to install. It runs in any modern browser and keeps working offline once the page has loaded.