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Chess Clocks
Find the chess clock you're looking for among our large selection of chess clocks and chess timers including both analog chess clocks and digital chess clocks. We carry clocks from Chronos, BHB, Saitek, and our own line of WSC chess clocks. You'll find the best chess clock for your favorite chess set right here.

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Chess Clock Manuals

Looking for a downloadable version of a chess clock manual? Here's our quick list of chess clock manuals.



History of the Chess Clock

Chess clocks and timers are used to control the amount of time that each player uses per game. People used to play chess without a clock. There was no time limit on how long one person could think about their move. That made for some very long and boring games! In the mid-1800s they started using sand hourglasses to time each player. They soon graduated to mechanical clocks that were connected together so that only one chess clock can run at a time.

Chess and Time

Chess clocks give each player a certain amount of time to make all of their moves in a game. Quick blitz games are usually five minutes per player per game. Rapid games are usually between 30-60 minutes per player per game. Tournament games can last up to 3 hours per player per game! There is not a time limit per move - instead players may ration their time however they want. Time is counted down until it runs out. Each player has their own amount of time that runs down while it is their turn to move. The game ends if one player runs out of time, is checkmated, there is a draw, or if a player resigns. It doesn't matter if you are one move away from checkmate - if your time runs out before you checkmate your opponent, you lose the game!

Two Timers in One Clock

A chess clock has two separate timers - one for each player. Only one timer counts down at a time. Each player also has a button on their side of the clock that they press when they are done with their turn. When a player pushes their button it stops their time and starts their opponents time. At the beginning of the game the player one player sets the time for both players with buttons in the neutral position so no time is running. Then the player with the black pieces presses their button to start the other players timer. Then, once the player with the white pieces has made their move, they press their button and the other players clock starts to run. That happens over and over until the game is finished.

Chess Clock Rules

The player with the black pieces gets to decide on which side of the board they want to have the clock. This is a small advantage because you are required to hit the clock with the same hand you use to move the pieces. So, if a player is right-handed it is generally easier to have the clock on the right side so they don't have to reach across their body to hit the clock button. If there is ever a dispute in the game one player should stop the time for both players and get immediate help. For more advanced rules on chess clock use please consult your national chess organization.