Time Controls

What is a clock move in chess?

  • Clock
  • Practical
  • Time

Clock move is a clock-management term: in a game played clock move, a move is considered completed only after the clock is pressed. For example, one could touch a piece, then move a different piece—as long as the player has not pressed their clock button. This way of playing is uncommon but can be seen in casual games or blitz games. 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.

Free game review

See where clock move decides your games

Chessiro reviews your games with an AI coach that names the concept behind every mistake, then drills you on the exact positions where it happened until you stop repeating them.

← Browse the full chess glossary