Time Controls
What is a chess clock in chess?
- Clock
- Practical
- Time
Chess clock is a clock-management term: a device made up of two adjacent clocks and buttons, keeping track of the total time each player takes for their moves. Immediately after moving, the player presses their button, which simultaneously stops their clock and starts their opponent's. The picture shown displays an analogue clock from which the term flag fall originates. Modern clocks are digital. The practical skill is choosing moves that fit the clock without ignoring tactics.
What to look for on the board
- Clock pressure.
- Whether increment changes risk.
- Simple moves that keep control.
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