Online Chess Clock

A simple online chess clock for your next game

This chess clock is split into two halves, one for each player, just like a tournament chess clock. After each move, the player taps to stop their clock and start their opponent's. Most people don't have a physical chess clock at home, and this one can run on any phone. For increment or delay time controls (5+3, 15+10, or a 5-second US delay) you'd usually need a dedicated device or an app install, but this clock runs easily in your browser.

How to use the chess clock

First, pick a time control from the settings gear (5+3 for blitz, 15+10 for rapid, custom for everything else).
Place the phone between the two players in portrait orientation. The top half is rotated so it reads upright to the player opposite you.
White plays first, so the first tap is on white's side (the bottom half); this stops white's clock and starts black's. Repeat. The reset icon needs a confirmation tap, so an elbow can't end your game.

Note: Check your device's power and screen settings and run a trial before important games. The alert won't sound if your device goes to sleep.

Tips for choosing the best time setting

If you're new to chess, avoid starting with fast games like 3+0. Choosing 15+10 gives you more time to think, which is better for learning or casual play. Once you have more experience, try 5+3: a popular blitz format that usually finishes in 10 to 15 minutes.

Can a chess clock improve my game?

Not by itself, but you can use this clock as part of your practice. Try solving problems and learning common positions without the clock, then switch to timed games with a partner to improve your skills.

Common questions

What is the Fischer increment?: After each completed move, a few seconds are added back to that player's clock (the opening move is the exception). So in 5+3, you start with 5 minutes and gain 3 seconds a move. It keeps a winning position from being lost purely on the clock.
What is time delay (simple / US delay)?: Delay is the other main way clocks add time. Instead of banking seconds like an increment, the clock waits a few seconds each move before your main time starts counting down. Simple delay, also called US delay, is the standard for over-the-board tournaments in the United States, usually a 5-second delay. Choose it from the Timing method menu in settings.
What's the difference between simple and Bronstein delay?: In time, none: both give you the exact same clock at every point in the game. They differ only in how the number is shown. Simple delay shows your main time and waits before it drops; Bronstein shows your main time plus the delay as a single countdown. Simple delay is common in the US, Bronstein more common elsewhere.
What happens at 00:00?: The clock chimes and you lose on time. The screen shows that the other player wins.
What if my phone sleeps mid-game?: The page will request Wake Lock when a game is running, so the screen stays awake as long as your browser supports it.
Does it work in landscape?: If you switch to landscape display, the layout will stay portrait with the two halves shrunk and stacked. The best display is portrait with the phone between players.
What if I switch tabs mid-game?: The active clock pauses with no time lost. Tap either side to resume when you come back, like lifting a pause button on a tournament clock.

Related tools

The online stopwatch counts up from zero to the tenth of a second for a single run.