Chess Timer
Free chess clock with all standard time controls. Two-player timer with Fischer increment support. Tap to switch after each move.
Lightning-fast games requiring quick instincts. Pre-move and blitz tactics dominate.
The most popular time control online. Fast enough to be exciting, long enough for strategy.
Balanced time control for thoughtful play. Used in FIDE rapid world championships.
The traditional format for serious tournament chess. Deep calculation and long-term planning.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fischer increment?
Fischer increment adds a fixed number of seconds to your clock after each move. For example, 5+3 means 5 minutes per player plus 3 seconds added per move. This prevents time scrambles and rewards faster play with a time bonus.
What does "flagging" mean?
When a player's time runs out, they are "flagged" and lose the game on time. The term comes from analog chess clocks where a small flag would fall when time expired. In our timer, the clock turns red when a player is flagged.
Which time control should I use?
For beginners, start with 10+0 or 15+10 — enough time to think without rushing. For casual fun, 5+0 blitz is the most popular. For serious improvement, try classical 30+0 or longer. Bullet (1-2 min) is for experienced players only.