How to use
a chess clock.

1. Pick a pace together

For a relaxed first game, try 10 minutes each. “5+0” means five minutes each with no increment. “3+2” means three minutes plus a two-second Fischer increment.

2. Put the screen between you

Give each player the clock face nearest them. White moves first. If White sits on the other side, press Swap colours before you start. Then press Start.

3. Move your piece, then tap your clock

Press your own active face after completing your move. Your time stops and your opponent's begins. Tapping the inactive face does not end a turn.

4. Take a breath when you need one

Use Pause for interruptions or corrections. Undo last switch restores the state immediately before the last move was registered, and keeps the game paused. Agree any further adjustment before resuming.

Increment and delay are different

Fischer increment: this clock adds the bonus once before the first move and again after each completed move. A 3+2 game starts at 3:02 each. Unused added time stays on the clock.

Simple delay (US delay): a fresh delay begins each turn. With a five-second delay, the first five seconds do not reduce your base time. Unused delay is discarded, and pausing partway through does not restart it.

When time expires

Both clocks freeze and identify the expired player. This tool does not know the board position or determine who wins. For organised play, agree the time control and interruption rules with your organiser.

Keep this browser visible

The browser clock auto-pauses when you leave the tab or window. Return, press Resume, then the player to move taps their clock. A saved session reopens paused; check both times. Browser suspension and unexpected termination can limit recovery precision.