♟ Chess Clock
Tap your panel to end your turn
TIME CONTROL
CUSTOM
About the Online Chess Clock
A chess clock is a dual-timer device used in competitive chess to track how much time each player has spent thinking. When one player finishes their move, they tap their side of the clock to stop their timer and start their opponent's. Our free online chess clock replicates this experience in your browser — no app download required.
Whether you're playing a casual game of blitz chess at home, practising speed chess online, or timing any two-player board game, this digital chess clock gives you the essential controls: preset time formats, a custom time setter, move counters, audible alerts, and a clear visual indicator of whose turn it is.
How to Use the Chess Clock
- Choose a time control — select a preset (1, 3, 5, 10, 15, or 30 minutes) or enter a custom minutes and seconds value, then tap Set.
- Press Start — Player 1's clock begins counting down immediately.
- Tap your panel after each move — the active (green) panel stops and the opponent's panel starts. Only the active player can tap.
- Watch for the pulse animation — when 10 seconds remain, the display pulses and tick sounds play as a warning.
- Pause at any time — press Pause to freeze both clocks, then Resume to continue.
- Reset — press Reset to restore both clocks to the selected time and start a new game.
Common Use Cases
Blitz & Bullet Chess
Use the 1-minute or 3-minute preset for rapid-fire blitz games where every second counts.
Rapid Chess
The 10 or 15-minute settings match standard rapid chess time controls used in club-level tournaments.
Board Game Timing
Use the custom time setter to time turns in Scrabble, Go, draughts, or any strategy game that benefits from turn limits.
Practice & Self-Training
Track your move count while practising openings or endgames to build better time management habits over the board.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chess clock used for?
A chess clock ensures each player has a limited amount of thinking time per game. If a player's time runs out before they finish making all their moves, they lose on time (called "flagging"). This prevents games from dragging on indefinitely and rewards efficient decision-making.
What time controls are supported?
Presets cover 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes per player. You can also set any custom duration in minutes and seconds using the custom input fields before starting the game.
Can I change the time once the game has started?
No. Time controls are locked once you press Start to prevent accidental changes mid-game. Press Reset first if you want to choose a different time setting.
What does the sound alert indicate?
A soft tick plays every second when a player has 10 or fewer seconds remaining. When time runs out, three descending beeps signal that the player has flagged. You can mute all sounds using the Sound toggle in the top-right corner.
Does this chess clock support increment or delay time controls?
The current version uses a simple countdown (sudden death) format without increment or delay. Increment (Fischer) and delay (Bronstein) modes are commonly requested features.
Does it work on mobile devices?
Yes. The chess clock is fully responsive. In portrait mode the two player panels stack vertically — Player 2's panel is rotated 180° so it faces the opposite player across a table. In landscape mode on larger screens the panels appear side by side.
What is the "Moves" counter for?
The move counter records how many times each player has tapped their panel to hand over the turn. It gives a quick overview of the game's pace and can be useful for post-game analysis.