13 best digital chess clock
A digital chess clock is a specialized electronic device used in chess and other board games that require players to take turns within a specific time limit. These clocks have become a standard tool in competitive chess and other time-constrained strategy games. Here are the key aspects related to digital chess clocks:
Time Management: Digital chess clocks are primarily used to manage the time allocated to each player in a chess game. They ensure that players adhere to time constraints, adding an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the game.
Dual Timers: Most digital chess clocks feature dual timers, each assigned to one of the two players. When it's a player's turn, they press a button on their side of the clock to start their timer and stop their opponent's timer.
Time Controls: These clocks support various time control formats, including:
Standard Time Control: Each player is given a fixed amount of time for the entire game (e.g., 60 minutes each). The clock counts down from the initial time, and if a player's time runs out, they lose the game.
Incremental Time Control: Players receive a certain amount of additional time (e.g., 30 seconds) after each move. This format prevents games from dragging on indefinitely due to time trouble.
Fischer Timing: A variation of incremental time control, where players gain a set amount of time with each move, but unused time does not accumulate.
Delay Time Control: Delay is another variant where a fixed amount of time (delay) is added to a player's clock after each move, but no increment is added.
Time Countdown Display: The digital display on these clocks shows the remaining time for each player in hours, minutes, and seconds. Some models may also display additional information like move counts or game progress.
Flagging: When a player's time runs out (flag falls), it usually results in a loss, unless their opponent does not have enough material to checkmate (e.g., king versus king).
Pause and Resume: Digital chess clocks often have a pause feature, allowing players to temporarily stop the clock in case of disputes, interruptions, or adjournments.
Pre-Set Time Controls: Many digital chess clocks come with pre-programmed time control settings for popular chess formats, making it easy to set up games quickly.
Sound and Display Options: Users can customize settings like sound alerts, display brightness, and contrast to suit their preferences.
Battery or Electric Powered: Digital chess clocks can be powered by batteries, which makes them portable and suitable for tournament play, or they may come with an AC adapter for continuous power.
Durable Construction: These clocks are designed to withstand the rigors of frequent use and may include features like sturdy casing and durable buttons.
Digital chess clocks are essential tools for chess tournaments and serious players as they ensure fair play and prevent time-related disputes. They add an element of excitement to chess games, requiring players to make decisions quickly while under time pressure, making them a crucial part of competitive chess play.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best digital chess clock on the market- ALL THE PROFESSIONAL FEATURES YOU WANT - The Chess Armory Digital Chess Clock Portable Timer features a standard chess timer, but also lets you tap into the potential of bonus time features and delay, so you're never limited on how you play.
- SIMPLE SET UP AND CONTROLS - Don't waste your time in set up. Just get to playing, thanks to the Chess Armory Portable Timer's intuitive and easy to use controls.
- A CHESS ACCESSORY THAT TRAVELS WITH YOU - Lightweight and Portable, the Chess Armory Portable Chess Clock is as fit for the tournament room as it is for your traveling adventures. Don't be left playing without a clock! Stick it in your bag and go!
- SO MUCH MORE THAN A CHESS TIMER - Chess isn't the only game that needs a timer. That's why our portable timer has enough functions to support any of the world's hundreds of 2 player games. It's a chess clock of many faces!
- BATTERY POWERED PORTABILITY - A single AAA battery is all you need if you run out of power after a long streak of chess games. The portable chess clock is a timer with extremely long battery life, so you'll rarely need more than one battery with you to assure the game never ends.
User questions & answers
Question: | Does this clock allow for a handicap (10 minutes vs 5 minutes |
Answer: | Yes. |
Question: | Is this clock acceptable for regulation tournament play |
Answer: | Carlos is right in that it doesn’t let you have multiple time controls that automatically transition to another like tournament play. He’s wrong that in can also count down, do increments, delays, and handicaps. He did not watch the instructional video. |
Question: | Can this be used for multiple controls? I'm new at this but the tournament rules are 30 moves in 90 minutes and then 60 minutes to finish |
Answer: | No |
Question: | Can the timer be set for 2 minutes for use in another game other than chess |
Answer: | Yes. It can be set for any number of minutes or seconds. We use it for speed Jenga. |
Product features
A PASSION FOR RAISING NEW CHAMPIONS
At CHESS ARMORY, we're dedicated to inspiring new chess players and raising future champions. We sell chess sets and accessories for every level, so when you grow, we grow with you.
YEARS OF QUALITY AND EXPERTISE
You play more when your equipment excites you. Our fine craftsmen put years of skill and expertise into every one of our products so their quality reflects your passion.
DEDICATION TO YOUR SATISFACTION
At CHESS ARMORY we know satisfaction leads to success. Lost a chess piece? Reach out to us for a replacement. Missing something from the box? We'll send it to you so you never miss a game.
- Perfect for clubs, schools, beginners, and casual players
- This clock supports bonus/increment time (Fischer time) up to 59 seconds per move, and delay time up to 59 seconds per move
- Each side of the clock can start with different time, including different bonus/increment and delay time
- An audible alarm when time expires can be turned on or off
- The clock runs on 1-AA battery (not included)
User questions & answers
Question: | This seller make factures |
Answer: | Works well for me in speed games |
Question: | How long does the battery last if on all the time? I might want to try and find a model that allows for a plug in. Not using for chess |
Answer: | I bought it for my student’s chess club. It was used 20 mins a day, 5 days a week. We always turned it on/off after every use. About a month after purchasing it, we thought the batteries finally went. So, we replaced them and it died again within 5/10 mins of use. We thought maybe those batteries were bad, but it was in fact the clock. No amount of new batteries would bring it back. Only 4 students used it, they’re great kids and weren’t rough with it.. I have no idea why it stopped working. Sorry I can’t officially answer your question, but hopefully this helps a little. |
Question: | How high can the time go on count up |
Answer: | You start@ 0:00:00 and count up on each side of the clock and max for each player is 9:59:59. Hope this answers your question. |
Question: | What is the maximum time you can set |
Answer: | Maximum time for each player is 9:59:59. |
Product features
Wholesale Chess Basic Digital Chess Clock
This digital clock is perfect for chess and other games that require countdown, count up, bonus, and delay times. It's lightweight and small in size, so it fits in most bags conveniently and is easy to take to and from club or tournament events.
Product description
The brand-new DGT North American clock uses 10 built-in algorithms to give a complete range of timing choices, plus elegant design to satisfy the most demanding chess player. Even multi-period delay settings are easy! Quick-set options permit instant set-up. Manual programming options are fast and intuitive and are automatically stored in memory. Of course our new digital timer is a superb chess clock, but it also times any two-person board game—like go, shogi, checkers, and Scrabble. All the bells and whistles, together with DGT’s reputation for quality and accuracy! Time options: time, time + guillotine, 2 X + guillotine, time + repeating time, bonus (“Fischer”) options, time + bonus, 2 X time + bonus, bonus single period, bonus tournament. Requires two AA batteries, included. Clock dimensions: 71/2'' long X 2'' high X 4'' deep. * Set delay controls for two or even three time periods! * Quick and easy to set and program! * Choose quick-set options for the 13 most popular controls * Set any control manually, fast! * Turn move counter on and off in any option * Super-easy to correct both time and move count * Sound-alert option warns of time trouble * Signals a low battery * 16 contrast settings adjust for any lighting * 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects
- Quick and easy to set and program!
- 16 contrast settings adjust for any lighting
- Choose quick-set options for the most popular controls
User questions & answers
Question: | Hello! could you help me. i'm confused how to set up this game 40/100, sd/30 d10. i'll appreciate any help.thanks |
Answer: | mode 23, first time control set to 1:40 each side, delay 10, then next one 0:30. sorry, dgt na doesn't have move counter with delay, only with increment, so you'll have to count the moves yourself. |
Question: | Which one can handle a football player's strength the best |
Answer: | I have in moments of "AhHAH!" hit the lever pretty hard, but I would recommend a tap of the finger instead. it is plastic, and the first one I bought (and had replaced) had a lever that did not work. On the whole, I would say this can handle a pretty good rap, but not every time. |
Question: | How do you set the number of moves for the first time control? Usually first time control is to complete 40 moves. What if its different |
Answer: | You enter the time control only on the clock. Based on number of times the clock was pressed during an active game, the clock will display the number of moves, but only for the current player when pressing and holding down the "+" button. The accompanying manual is rather brief, but outlines a list of many program options. For example, if you want to require one hour (or whatever) for each player, program 2 does this. (You may have to set the desired time digit by digit for each player using the + and - buttons). If you want "Fischer time" added back with each press of a clock, Program 14 does that. If you want a second or other repeating time control after that first hour, then Programs 8 and 10 handle those. Overall, there are 9 different program structures, each with a couple default settings that are adjustable if needed. Hope this helps. |
Question: | I'd like to use this to track time spent on two work projects. Hoping I can push the left button when starting on project A, push again to stop |
Answer: | Hi. Thank you for your inquiry. On this chess clock you may set both sides for time, however once you push the left button it will start counting down but to stop the left side from counting you will need to push the right side (and it starts counting down) and back and forth, etc. Please contact us should you have any further questions.Thank you. Wholesale Chess888-582-4377 |
Product description
The Zmart Fun II Digital Chess Clock has modern, bright LED display technology, stainless steel, accurate, touch sensors and durable plastic case made here in the USA.
- Clock type: Digital
- Clock Button Type: Touch
- Batteries Required: 4 x C
User questions & answers
Question: | Does this come with a case |
Answer: | It comes in a full color cardboard box. But there are other listings that bundle this clock with a padded wedge bag to carry it in. |
Question: | can this clock be used for professional scrabble tournaments |
Answer: | As usual, answers that don't relate to your question of "professional Scrabble tournaments". The answer is yes, and the word Scrabble is even printed on the box. If you go to the ZMF Chess Clock official web page, you can see their 4 minute video showing all timing options. 💙 #Scrabble |
Question: | Can someone please confirm this will count up (& >10hrs)? Online pdfs says it can in "dual counter" mode. 2 comments say no however. Diff versions |
Answer: | I have never come across that setting. |
Question: | Does it do incremental time? I.e. Add time per move |
Answer: | Thank you for your inquiry.Yes, this clock has a move counter in increments. Also, in Byo-Yomi mode the clock adds time per move.We hope this information is helpful in making your decision.Regards,Wholesale Chess888-582-4377 |
Product description
Get yours before it runs out.
A special DGT3000 Limited Edition is released to celebrate DGT’s 25 year anniversary.The Limited Edition has the same options as the popular DGT3000 but is designed in a wooden look.
The Limited Edition is packed in an eye-catching gift box. It has the same features as the DGT3000:
seconds are always shown from the start
much larger display with more information
25 pre-set timing systems
5 slots for customized settings
5 year manufacturers warranty!
US delay and Bronstein delay
In full accordance with the FIDE rules and regulations
- The Limited Edition has a beautiful wooden look
- This special clock is only available in a limited quantity this yea
- larger display with more information, seconds are shown from the start
- 25 pre-set timing systems, connects to all DGT e-Boards
- 5 slots for customized settings
User questions & answers
Question: | is this one also good for scrabble |
Answer: | I have not used the DGT 3000 for Scrabble but I do not see any reason it would not work. |
Question: | Is this real wood? The picture has a cross-hatch texture to the wood, particularly on the side, that is reminiscent of plastic |
Answer: | It look like wood but actually its plastic. It is almost the same dgt 3000 with different colors. |
Question: | Does it count the number of moves, let's say in a 40/100 d10 sd30? does it count my 40 moves before switching to the sd |
Answer: | No, that is not how DGT/FIDE time controls work. If you set a 40/100 d10 period, the clock will allow 100 minutes to run out before switching you to the second time control. It is up to the players and arbiters to make sure that the required number of moves are made. But the remaining time doesn't go away when move 40 is played. |
Question: | Does this have the ability to count up over 10 hrs |
Answer: | Not as such, as the hour slot has only one digit, so you could set it to 9:59:59, one second short of 10 hours. |
Product description
This digital clock is perfect for chess and other games that require countdown, count up, bonus, and delay times. It's lightweight and small in size, so it fits in most bags conveniently and is easy to take to and from club or tournament events.
"Chess Clock Classic
This chess clock has feature as large high definition LED display, eye-catching colors, accurate.,easy to read.
Setup is very easy on this clock, so even beginners can learn to use it quickly. If you want to use it in count-up mode, simply turn it on and begin! For countdown situations, enter setup mode, simply set the desired time, and play.
" This clock supports bonus/increment time (also known as Fischer time) up to 59 seconds per move, and it also supports delay time up to 59 seconds per move. Important Note: You can set either bonus/increment time OR delay, but not both.
Each side of the clock can start with different time, including different bonus/increment and delay time. In the setup mode, you can easily select a time for both sides, or change it by side if desired.
The clock runs on 1-AA battery (not included).
It is great for all games and events where only one time control per game is required, making it perfect for clubs, schools, beginners, and casual players.
- ★Delay and Bonus Time function;This digital chess clock is a presettable count up / countdown timer, maximum up to 10 hours
- ★Available for Chinese Chess, International Chess and I-GO,You can set up two different base time on both sides of this chesstimer
- ★The digital chess clock will store the last setting when it power on;Light weight and portable, convenient for your carrying.During the game, can modify the timing parameters of the both sides. Shutdown and then boot (non-outage), it can keep the last rule parameters before the shutdown, before switching count on and count down, the machine need to be restarted;
- ★With alarm when the match is over, you can open or close the alarm;Powered by 1 x AA battery ( not included
- ★Made of electronic components + ABS shell, environmentally friendly and durable
Product description
ZMF-II Digital Chess Timer - Red/Black
Product description
The Zmart Fun II Digital Chess Clock has modern, bright LED display technology, stainless steel, accurate, touch sensors and durable plastic case made here in the USA.
- Clock type: Digital
- Clock Button Type: Touch
- Batteries Required: 4 x C
User questions & answers
Question: | does this come with a bag or a case |
Answer: | No, this clock does not include a bag or case however comes in a sturdy cardboard box that can be used as storage. Wholesale Chess |
Question: | Can this product be used for Backgammon? I just want to make sure that it can display the time per move and the reserve bank; make sense |
Answer: | Thank you for your inquiry. We do not believe that you can use this ZMF chess clock for Backgammon in the way that you have described. You may download a pdf manual for further details online if you wish. Regards,RobynWholesale Chess888-582-4377 |
Question: | can it be set to count down and give each player 1 minute and reset to 1 minute so each player gets 1 minute per move every move |
Answer: | Yes, this clock allows this function. Wholesale Chess888-582-4377 |
Question: | Can this timer go overtime |
Answer: | It has a setting for this. However, I've never tested this. I would definitely write to the manufacturer first before purchasing. Also, you might want to consider a DGT North American Chess Clock. These are the clocks that are primarily used in my local chess club and in most of the tournaments I've been to. Hope this helps. |
- Easy to Program and Use
- Includes 38 pre-programmed modes
- Supports bonus/increment (Fischer), standard delay, and Byo Yomi modes
- Allows custom and user-defined timing modes
- Easy to pause game, edit settings, and resume
User questions & answers
Question: | Does the clock alarm when a players flag has fallen |
Answer: | Yes, this clock has an alarm that you can turn on or offer and will notify the players once the game is over. Wholesale Chess |
Question: | What is the maximum time each side can be set for |
Answer: | It can be set for a longer time than would ever be practical. If you are thinking of starting a game on a Monday and returning the following day, then just put it on . I suppose it could be set for 99 hours/side, but why would you? Even the world championship games are only set for 40 moves/150 minutes per side. |
Question: | At the end of each chess game is there an alarm that alerts the players that the game has ended? If so, where is the switch to turn on the alarm |
Answer: | Yes there is, but there is no button, you set it off digitally (it's explained in the manual). |
Question: | I want to pay a handicap game. Does this clock support having one time mode for white, and a different time mode for black |
Answer: | Yes, you can set the time, bonus, delay, etc. different for each side. |
Product features
Wholesale Chess Advanced Digital Chess & Game Timer with Bonus and Delay
The Wholesale Chess Advanced Digital Game Timer with Bonus & Delay is a reliable game timer that is easy to program and use. It measures 6.5" x 2.5" x 4", plus it has a color contrast rocker arm that is easy to see from a distance so you can know whose turn it is. It also features an audible alarm that can easily be turned on or off for a game.
- Simply set up the board, connect DGT Pi and start playing. The computer moves are shown on the large display.
- Chess engines included are StockFish, Texel, Arasan, Rodent II, Zurichess, Floyd, Cinnamon and Claudia.
- Can serve as Count-Up Chess Clock, Max. 10 hours. Light weight and portable, convenient for carrying.
- Alarm Function: Digital chess clock with alarm function when the match is over. Also with Bonus & Delay setting.
- Choose quick-set options for the most popular controls.Please kindly send email to us if you need the manual of the timer.
User questions & answers
Question: | Is it easy to pause the clock so neither timer is running |
Answer: | Yes. A simple push on the pause button in the center. |
Question: | Does this chess clock can connect usb |
Answer: | Thanks for your support of our chess timer clock, this one can't connect usb. |
Question: | Does this chess clock can connect usb |
Answer: | This chess clock was worked with 2 pcs AA battery, can not connect usb. |
Question: | Can this chess timer be set different time for each player |
Answer: | Yes, this chess timer can adjust different mode and different time for each player's choose. |
Product features
Function Introduction
- There are 8 types of 42 timing rules, including single / multi-stage countdown, reward, time limit, delay, second reading, positive timing, etc
- Timing parameters can be modified for each timing rule (except for positive timing)
- Different timing parameters can be set on the left and right sides
- After shutdown, restart the machine to keep the rules and parameters that have been competed before shutdown
- Chess Clock: Professional Digital Timer with Count up / Countdown Timer, Maximum up to 10 Hours
- Available for Chinese Chess, International Chess,I-GO and Other 2 Players Board Game
- Chess clock timer is made of electronic components & ABS shell, environmentally friendly and durable.
- Alarm as the time Runing out. Can Turn up/off the Alarm;1 x AA battery ( Included as gift)
- Bouns and Delay functions with Easy Setting, Light Weight, Setting Memoried.
User questions & answers
Question: | What are the steps to get it to count down |
Answer: | Dear customer, fist of all, hold middle button (star/paruse)3 seconds to enter setting mode. Release the button after seeing the figure flashing. And then press the button to swtich figures (H:MM:SS)and press ± button to set time for countdown. Btw if you need to set bonus or delay(figures in second), keep to quick press middle buton to next stage. If not, Hold middle button to exit. Hope it could help. |
Question: | Is there any difference between the 9903 and 9903A models? Also, can this clock be set for multiple periods with delay |
Answer: | Dear customer, PQ9903 is previous verson and isnot producing any more, And now 9903a is upgrade one, it can set different periods with delay. if possible, please describ more detail so and answer more for Thanks for you question.hope it help |
Question: | can this be set to allow a set time of 2 minutes per player per turn, as opposed to running clock |
Answer: | No you cannot do this. You can set a 2 minute total time. But you cannot make the timer reset after each press. |
Question: | Is there something else that I need to do to get it to count down? I followed the directions and set it to 5 min. but it only counts up from there |
Answer: | For me it works fine. Just choose the predefined 5 min setting (setting 01), and then press play/pause twice to start the countdown |
Product features
LEAP Chess Clock Classic
- This chess clock has feature as large high definition LED display, eye-catching colors, accurate.,easy to read.
- Setup is quite easy for the chess clock, even if no instruction player can start to operateit . In count-up mode, turn it on and play! For countdown mode, enter setup mode, simply set the desired time, and play game.
- CHESS CLOCK: Professional Digital Timer with Count up / Countdown Timer, Maximum up to 10 Hours, Available for Chinese Chess, International Chess and Other Board Game.
- LARGE HIGH DEFINITION DISPLAY: This chess clock has feature as large high definition display, eye-catching colors, accurate.,easy to read.
- ALARM FUNCTION: This chess clock will make an alarm clock when time runs out. You can turn on/off the alarm clock, easy setting, lightweight, memory setting.
- ECO DURABLE CHESS CLOCK: This chess clock is made of premium electronic components and ABS shell, which is eco-friendly and durable.
- 24 HOURS OF CUSTOMERS SERVICE: Safe and Durable with strict quality testing. If you still have questions after your purchase, please contact us by e-mail.
User questions & answers
Question: | Does this clock support time controls with more than one period |
Answer: | The chess clock time is controlled at 9 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds |
Product features
digital chess clock timer
Large flexible button with better sense of press
High quality of ABS plastic durable material shell
Available for Fischer bonus mode, Bronstein delay mode
Professional Chess Clock
This digital clock is perfect for chess and other games that require countdown, count up, bonus, and delay times. It's lightweight and small in size, so it fits in most bags conveniently and is portable to take to and from club or tournament events.
Portable energy saving design
Feiyasi - The Chess Armory Digital Chess Clock is lightweight, portable and comes with a sturdy travel box, so it always goes with you. Thanks to the energy-efficient single AAA battery design of the Feiyasi digital chess clock, you can play games for several days.
Functional Descriptions
basic: Set basic time.
Bonus:Set basic time and bonus time.
Delay:Set basic time, second reading times and time.
positive timing: Set basic time to be 0 for overall rationing system
Descriptions of Keys:
Set and confirm parameters; keep pressing for resetting
Increase numeric value and switch rules.
Increase numeric value and switch rules.
Start/Pause; change the flicker position during setting.
Power on/off the timer; turn on/off the sound
Operation instructions
●Press (Confirm/Resetto) confirm the selected rule. If existing parameters needn’t be changed, directly press►‖, and the part where the seesaw warps up starts timing. If existing parameters have to be changed, press►‖again, and the hour on the left (Confirm/Resetto) of the screen flickers. Press‖ to change the flicker position, and press (Up Key/Down) to change the numeric value. After parameter setting, press(Confirm/Resetto) to confirm the parameters. Press►‖again, and the part where the seesaw warps up starts timing.
●At the end of or during a game, press (Confirm/Resetto) for about 2s to reset.
5. Notes
Use two AA batteries. Please disassemble the batteries if they are kept unused for a long period, to protect the batteries from leak and prevent damages to parts.
For each rule, time parameters can be automatically changed.
- 【EASY to SET】:This chess timer features simple program design with large screen which support to quick edit game time and star.
- 【MULTI-FUNCTIONS】: This chess clock with counting、count down、bonus、delay (fischer)、alarm on/off、move counts & setting memory. Not only this digital timer allows checking moves for both players, but allow to adjust the rest of time.
- 【SUPPORT GAMES】:Available for International Chess, Chinese Chess, I-GO,and other type board games. Many tournament has used this clock for the competition.You can set up two different base time on both sides
- 【DIMENSIONS & QUALITY】:Made of electronic components + ABS shell, environmentally friendly and durable, which is light weight and portable, convenient for your carrying.
- 【SERVICE】:Leap always try to add extra value for your purchase.Great customer service and reply within 24 hrs immediately. Please feel free to contact in anytime.
User questions & answers
Question: | Does this clock support time controls with more than one time period? Also, what is the maximum amount of increment and delay it supports |
Answer: | Dear customer, The max of adjusting ± time is over 9 hr during the game. The max of bonus and the max of delay are 59 sec. If possible,please contact us directly and I can explain more by mail. |
Question: | Can the total game time be set to, say, 15 minutes as in chess tournaments |
Answer: | you can set the time limit to what ever your heart desires. |
Question: | Does it come with a manual in English that is readable |
Answer: | Yes,it come with a manual in 2 languages including English. If any doubs,welcome to ask us. |
Question: | Can this clock be set to count down where each player has 20 minutes to make 40 moves |
Answer: | Don't know for sure but believe so. We just got it and my wife is using it now but will get it back soon, I hope. May have to buy another one. |
Product features
Chess clock Features
- This 9917 clock supports bonus (Fisher), standard delay and adjustment modes.
- The time, bonus/increment and delay times can be set different for each side of the player if desired.
- As well as it is easy to show MOVE count by hold the + button during a game for three seconds when it paused. Movers of each player will be shown.
- Easily to swtich alarm on/off - simply push and hold the - button during a game for three seconds and the alarm icon will be displayed.
New function
This clock supports adjust time during a game
- Pause it
- Hold the middle button for 3 sec
- the 1st figure flashing and adjust to time you desire
- Hold it again to exit and continue to play
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