A game clock consists of two adjacent clocks with buttons to stop one clock while starting the other, so that the two clocks never run simultaneously. Game clocks are used in two-playergames where the players move in turn. The purpose is to keep track of the total time each player takes for his or her own moves, and ensure that neither player overly delays the game.
Game clocks were first used extensively in tournament chess, and are often called chess clocks. In a tournament, the arbiter typically places all clocks in the same orientation, so that he can easily assess games that need attention at later stages. Their use has since spread to tournament Scrabble, shogi, go, and nearly every competitive two-player board game, as well as other types of games. The first time that game clocks were used in a chess tournament was in the London 1883 tournament.
As of May 2015, our Chess Club has purchased 4 different models over the years and now have a total of 44 chess clocks. We encourage our students to use these chess clocks to get used to their operation. During tournaments, if either player brings a chess clock to the match, it is required to be used, so it is important for our students to be comfortable using chess clocks during game play.
Above is a a photo of all 44 club chess clocks after a thorough cleaning and battery replacement.
The information below outlines the operation of each of the different models our Chess Club uses.
The newest addition to our chess clock collection. The smallest and lightest form factor of all the chess clocks we have purchased. We like how it saves us storage space.
Quality build with touch sensors instead of mechanical switches. A low profile plastic case that is easy to use.
Above is a video showing the operation of the Saitek Game Clock.
Above is a video showing the operation of the Excalibur Chess Clock.
DGT Chess Timer
The oldest chess clocks in our collection. The plastic mechanical buttons have been known to break which requires us to repair. It is a tall chess clock with relatively easy to use setting buttons.