Chess Clock
A two-player game clock with increments and presets.
Using the clock
Pick a time control, press your side of the clock after each move โ that stops your time and starts your opponent's. The upper display is rotated so a phone laid flat between two players reads correctly from both sides. Running low turns urgent; hitting zero flags red, and that player loses on time whatever the position.
Presets cover the standard controls: 1+0 and 3+0 bullet and blitz, 3+2 and 5+3 increment blitz, 10+0 rapid through 30+0. "5+3" means five minutes each plus three seconds added after every move โ the Fischer increment, which keeps endgames about chess rather than about hammering a clock.
Fair timing, and other uses
The clock counts real elapsed time between presses rather than trusting page timers, so a busy phone shortchanges nobody. Pause between games, reset for a rematch.
Any two-player turn game works: Scrabble with a 2-minute increment ends the dictionary stalling, Go players use Fischer time online, and "your turn" board-game dawdlers respond remarkably to a ticking clock. For a single countdown rather than alternating turns, the timer and countdown do the job, and tournament breaks run well on the Pomodoro timer.
Frequently asked questions
What does 5+3 mean in chess?
Five minutes on each clock plus a three-second Fischer increment added after every move you complete. Increments keep long endgames playable.
Which clock do I press?
Your own, after making your move โ that starts the opponent's time. In this app, tap your own side of the screen.
What does flagging mean?
Running out of time: the clock shows red and that player loses on time regardless of the board โ the standard rule in timed chess.
Can I use this for other games?
Any alternating two-player game: Scrabble, Go, backgammon, or ending "still your turn" board-game syndrome.