How does the increment work?

Every preset labeled with two numbers uses Fischer increment: 3+2 means 3 minutes base with 2 seconds added after each of your moves. The increment is credited the moment you tap to end your move.

Standard chess-clock etiquette: Black presses the clock to start White's time. On this clock, tap the side of the player who is NOT moving first, and the other side starts counting.

What happens when a player runs out of time?

That side flags: the display turns red, an alarm sounds, and both clocks stop. In most rulesets that is a loss on time unless the opponent lacks mating material.

Can I use this for Scrabble or other board games?

Yes — any two-player turn-based game works. Pick a preset close to your pace and tap when your turn ends.

Online Chess Clock — Free Chess Timer with Increment

Online chess clock

Lay a phone or laptop between the players and tap your side to end your move. Presets cover bullet through classical, with Fischer increment handled automatically.

Tap your own side (or the space around the time) to end your move — increments are added automatically.

What does 3+2 mean in chess?

Three minutes on the clock for each player, plus two seconds added to your own clock every time you complete a move. The first number is the base time and the second is the increment. A 5+0 game has no increment at all, so five minutes is genuinely all you get.

Increment changes the character of a game more than the base time does. With a couple of seconds a move you can play out an endgame properly instead of losing a won position to the clock, which is why most online blitz now carries one.

How does a chess clock work?

Only one clock runs at a time. You make your move, then press your own side, which stops your clock and starts your opponent’s. Pressing your side is part of the move, not a separate courtesy, and forgetting it means you are thinking on your own time. Tap your own panel here and the increment is added automatically as it hands over.

If a clock reaches zero the player has flagged and loses on time, regardless of the position, unless the opponent has no way to deliver mate.

What time control should we use?

Bullet at one minute is a test of speed more than chess. Blitz at three to five minutes is quick but still has real games in it. Rapid at ten to fifteen with increment is where most people find the balance between a proper game and an evening that ends. Classical at thirty or more is for when the position deserves it. The presets here are grouped by that spread so the choice is one glance rather than six labels.

Frequently asked questions

How does the increment work?: Every preset labeled with two numbers uses Fischer increment: 3+2 means 3 minutes base with 2 seconds added after each of your moves. The increment is credited the moment you tap to end your move.
Who taps first?: Standard chess-clock etiquette: Black presses the clock to start White's time. On this clock, tap the side of the player who is NOT moving first, and the other side starts counting.
What happens when a player runs out of time?: That side flags: the display turns red, an alarm sounds, and both clocks stop. In most rulesets that is a loss on time unless the opponent lacks mating material.
Can I use this for Scrabble or other board games?: Yes — any two-player turn-based game works. Pick a preset close to your pace and tap when your turn ends.