About Chess-Clock

What this is

Chess-Clock.com is two things: a fast, free online chess clock that works on your phone, tablet or computer, and a plain-English guide to the time controls that shape how chess is played — from one-minute bullet to full classical games.

Why it exists

Most chess clocks online are either bare timers with no explanation, or buried inside a larger app you have to sign into. This site keeps the clock instant and friction-free — pick a format, tap once, play — while also answering the questions players actually ask: what counts as blitz, why increment exists, which control is best when you're starting out.

The aim is simple: be the clearest, most useful place to both understand chess timing and use a clock, whether you're new to the game or have played for years.

What you'll find

• A full-featured clock with every common control, increment and delay.
• Pages for each format — bullet, blitz, rapid and classical — and for the specific controls within them.
• Guides on the topics behind the timer: comparisons, increment vs delay, notation and more.

Accuracy

Where the site states definitions — like the boundaries between blitz, rapid and classical — it follows the categories used by FIDE, the international chess federation, and notes where online platforms differ. If you spot something that's wrong or out of date, please get in touch; corrections are genuinely welcome.

Who's behind it

Chess-Clock.com is an independent project built and maintained by Bowyer IT Solutions Ltd. It isn't affiliated with FIDE, Chess.com, Lichess or any chess organisation. Questions, feedback or corrections: hello@chess-clock.com.