Chess clock
Chess clocks can be distinguished from regular clocks as these come equipped with two timers built into one unit - one for each player. The two clocks do not run simultaneously, but rather keep track of the player and his opponent’s total used time. This distinctive feature in the chess clock keeps the chess game moving at the desired pace since both players have a predetermined number of minutes to complete their game.
Importance of a chess clock
At the heart of every organized chess competition is a reliable chess clock and such a clock is instrumental can help tightly run chess tournaments with hundreds of chess players as it runs like clockwork, round after round, concluding on time.
Functioning of a chess clock
There are two buttons on top the clock to start and stop the timers in an alternating fashion. Before the game starts, the time is stopped and the buttons set in neutral position. After the first player makes the initial move, he is required to press the button on his side of the clock and his opponent’s time starts to run while the time on his clock is pause. When the opponent makes his move, he will press the button on his side, which stops his timer and starts that of the first player. This may seem a bit tiresome at first and make take a little getting used to, but using a chess clock is an integral part of every chess move so a serious player needs to become skilled at it.
Setting the chess clock
There are digital and analog chess clocks available today. Most chess players prefer the digital ones for versatility and variety of features. Analog chess clocks need to be wound using the two winders on the back face, taking care not to over do the winding bit. Analog clocks give a good 12 hours of operating time. There are even the rare battery powered analog chess clocks, which do not require winding.
Using a chess clock in tournament play
All chess tournaments depend on reliable chess clocks that keep the whole place ticking and organizers happy. Chess tournaments can be organized at different levels such as a Standard, Action Chess, Blitz Chess, Speed Chess or Game 30, depending on how fast a game is expected. Slow chess tournaments like the US Championships allow 1 hour to 2 1/2+ hours per player and can last beyond 7 hours! Many tournaments that pre-decide the pace allot 1 hour per player, 30 minutes for Action Chess), 15 minutes for Quick Chess, 5 minutes for Speed or Blitz Chess.