Free Online Chess Clock and Timer
Pick a time control, tap to start, then tap your side after every move. Increment, delay or Bronstein, with sound and a move counter. Go fullscreen to use your phone as a real chess clock on the table. Works on any device, no app and no signup.
That is one game done.
Run a whole tournament freeWhat is this?
A chess clock is a timer with two sides, one for each player. Each side counts down only while it is that player's turn to move. It keeps games fair and fun so nobody can sit and think forever. This one is free, runs in your browser, and is perfect for a casual game between two people sharing one phone or tablet. If you are kitting out a club and wondering how many real clocks to buy, see our chess tournament equipment guide. Running a real event? Free chess tournament app ChessHost pairs the rounds and keeps the standings for you. Our chess clock rules guide covers flag fall, illegal moves and default time.
How to use it
- Pick a time control from the pills, or tap Custom to set your own.
- Tap anywhere on the board to start. White's clock begins running.
- Make your move on the real board, then tap your own side. Your clock stops and your opponent's starts.
- Keep tapping your side after each move. If a side hits zero, that player has run out of time and loses.
- Tap the fullscreen button to fill your phone screen and use it like a real chess clock on the table.
- Use the pause button to take a break, or reset to start a fresh game.
Common questions
What does a time control like 5+3 mean?
The first number is the minutes each player starts with. The second is the increment, the seconds added back to your clock every time you finish a move. So 5+3 is 5 minutes each, plus 3 seconds per move. For more, see what 10+5 means in chess.
Which time control should casual players use?
For a relaxed game, try 10+0 or 15+10 so you have time to think. For quick fun, 5+3 or 3+2 work great. 1+0 is bullet chess, very fast and a little chaotic.
Can I use my phone as a chess clock?
Yes. Tap the fullscreen button and the clock fills your screen, so you can lay the phone on the table between both players and use it like a real digital chess clock. The screen stays awake while it runs.
Do I need to sign up?
No. The clock is completely free and needs no account. Just open this page and start playing.
What is the difference between increment, delay and Bronstein?
Increment adds a fixed number of seconds to your clock every time you finish a move, so you can gain time. Simple delay waits that many seconds before your clock starts running, so you never gain time but short moves cost you nothing. Bronstein gives back exactly what the move cost you, up to the increment. This clock does all three: pick one under the presets.
Does the clock make a sound?
Yes. It beeps softly when a player finishes a move and plays a lower tone on flag fall, so you can hear the clock without watching it. Tap the speaker button to mute it, or press M. Your choice is remembered on that device.
Can I use the keyboard instead of tapping?
Yes, which is easier on a laptop. Space switches the clock to the other player, P pauses and resumes, R resets, M mutes the sound and F toggles fullscreen.
Can I use this in a real tournament?
It is great for casual and club play. For a full tournament with pairings, standings, and results, ChessHost runs the whole event for you. Free chess pairing software handles the draw, and the free Swiss rounds calculator tells you how many rounds you need.
Other free tools
Working out an event rather than a single game? Swiss rounds calculator for how many rounds, tournament duration calculator for how long it will run, Swiss pairing generator for the draw, and tiebreak calculator for separating players level on points.
More about time controls
Choosing a control rather than running one? Chess time controls explained covers what 15+10 and 3+2 mean, bullet vs blitz vs rapid gives the exact cutoffs, how long a chess game takes sets expectations for the night, and chess clock rules covers flag fall and illegal moves.
Running a whole tournament?
ChessHost handles pairings, standings, and results so you can just enjoy the chess.
Start a free tournament