Online Chess Clock — Blitz & Rapid Timer
A two-player countdown clock for over-the-board games. Set the time per side, tap your half of the screen after each move to pass the clock to your opponent, and add a Fischer increment if you like — a fixed number of seconds added back after each move. Whoever's clock reaches zero first loses on time. Free, full screen, no sign-up.
About the chess clock
A chess clock gives each player their own countdown timer. Only one runs at a time — tapping your side after a move pauses your clock and starts your opponent's. Running out of time first ends the game (a "flag fall").
Chess clocks keep games fair by putting a strict time budget on each player individually, rather than the game as a whole. This free version supports the standard time controls — bullet, blitz, rapid and classical — at 5, 10, 15 or 30 minutes per side or any custom length, plus an optional Fischer increment: a few seconds added back to your clock after every move you make, which rewards fast, decisive play without letting a whole game run away in time.
Standard chess time controls
| Name | Time per side | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet | Under 3 min | Very fast online-style games |
| Blitz | 3-5 min | Quick casual and club games |
| Rapid | 10-15 min | Club play with real thinking time |
| Classical | 30+ min | Serious, tournament-style games |
When to use it
- Casual or club games where you want a real time limit without a physical clock.
- Blitz and rapid games over the board, using one shared phone or tablet between both players.
- Practicing faster decision-making under a ticking clock.
- Any two-player turn-based game that benefits from a shared, alternating timer — checkers, Scrabble, backgammon, not strictly limited to chess.
How to use it
- Pick a starting time per side and an optional increment, then start the game.
- After you make your move, tap your own half of the screen — this pauses your clock and starts your opponent's.
- Keep alternating until a player runs out of time or the game ends another way.
Tips
- A small increment (2-5 seconds) prevents a completely won position from being lost purely on time.
- Full screen mode makes the tap targets larger and easier to hit quickly during a fast game.
FAQ
How does a chess clock work?
Each player gets their own countdown timer. Only one clock runs at a time — whoever's turn it is. After you make your move, tap your side to stop your own clock and start your opponent's. If your time reaches zero before you move, your flag falls and you lose on time.
What is Fischer increment?
Fischer increment adds a fixed number of seconds back onto a player's clock every time they complete a move, so a player who moves quickly can build up extra time instead of only losing it. Set it to 0 for a plain countdown with no increment.
What time control should I pick — bullet, blitz, rapid or classical?
Bullet is under 3 minutes a side and is frantic; blitz at 3-5 minutes suits quick casual games; rapid at 10-15 minutes gives both players real thinking time and is the usual choice for club play; classical is 30 minutes or more for serious games. If you are unsure, start at 10 minutes with a 3 second increment.
Does it support Bronstein delay as well as increment?
This clock uses Fischer increment, which adds the bonus time after every move. Bronstein delay works slightly differently — it only returns time actually used, up to the delay amount — so the two behave the same when you use your full delay each move, and Fischer is more forgiving when you move fast.
Can I set a custom starting time?
Yes — pick 5, 10, 15 or 30 minutes per side, or choose Custom and enter any whole number of minutes from 1 to 180.
Can I use a chess clock for other board games?
Yes. Any two-player turn-based game benefits — checkers, Scrabble, backgammon, Go. The clock does not know or care what game you are playing.
What happens when a player runs out of time?
Their flag falls and, under standard rules, they lose — provided the opponent has enough material to deliver checkmate. In casual games most people simply call it a loss on time.
Do I need two devices?
No. One phone or tablet placed between both players is the normal setup: each player taps their own half of the screen after moving.