Chess clocks are not used in all scholastic tournaments simply due to the fact that most of these games finish rather quickly. On the other hand though, if a game is still running long past the ending of other games in a given round, a tournament director may introduce a chess clock into the game in an effort to speed up the game. The director will then explain the clocks use to the players. Chess clocks have been around for an impressive amount of time and are employed to help keep games running in a more time efficient timely manner.

No going slow

It was around the late 1800s that chess clocks were invented. The sole purpose of these clocks was to help avoid any overly lengthy games. Chess clocks each have two independent clocks on them and have a specific mechanism which allows only one clock to be running at any given time. This helps to stop any players from delaying the game on purpose to suit their own advantages; it also provides players with an equal amount of time to use. How their time is spent is completely up to the player. They may choose to participate in a succession of fast moves to set aside some thinking time for themselves for the more crucial moves which will be required in the later stages of the game. Time management is a very important skill to have when it comes to playing chess with these clocks as you can’t only lose when you make mistakes or you are simply outsmarted but you can also lose simply by running out of time.

Time Controls

Time controls can vary from 25 to 30 minutes per player depending on what kind of tournament is being played. When using the chess clocks each player must make a particular number of moves in that set time limit. If the player has no more time left before they complete making the required amount of moves that player will lose due to loss of time. Both of the players need to keep score until there are no more than five minutes remaining on the clock.

Sudden Death

Another type of time control is a fixed amount of time in which you must complete the game no matter how many moves are made. This time control style is known as “Sudden Death”. In games referred to as “Quick Chess” these sudden death time limits are applied regularly, these games are generally under 30 minutes in length and it is not a requirement for players to keep score.

Where to find them

When planning on playing in a tournament with a specific time control it is important to either bring your own chess clock or borrow one off of somebody else. The general preference when it comes to chess clocks are the ones which are digital and have time-delay functionality. Chess clocks can be bought at many different stores which stock board games but are more so easier to find at online chess supply stores. The best place to start would be on the internet with a simple search engine search to find the best online chess supply stores.

Correspondence chess means playing chess on the internet. The rules of the game are the same as an old board game. Only then, online chess games are being played using computers and other electronic devices. As one of the popular online games today, correspondence chess has a vital role in providing an access to other chess players. With the cutting edge technology used in networking, correspondence chess enables international friendships and tournaments.

Getting an access to correspondence chess games is not that hard. Since computers are in everyone’s house in this hectic lifestyle, you can access as many chess versions as you can anytime of the day or night. Visiting specific sites will always be the number one way to play your favorite board game. Some sites offer game servers wherein the best of the best chess players are situated. Tournaments are categorized according to skill level. If you’re good in playing chess then, you should go with other experienced players and grandmasters. But if not, then you have to increase your ranking first before you decide to go on to the next level.

As usual, before you get an access to chess games or tournaments you have to sign up as a member of a specific site. Some sites charge a small amount for membership. There are also premiums that cost additional amount. But most of the time, membership is absolutely and completely for FREE. Actually, there are two ways to play live chess games. The first one is to play with an opponent who is online at the same time and the other one is to play with another opponent which is offline at that time.

In playing with an online opponent, you only have a limited time to finish a single game. This is due to the fact that live chess games must be finish within a specific time frame. As a result, the player who loses the game is automatically eliminated and the other player must also leave after the time runs out. It could be better if you choose the second option. Here, there’s no time frame being settled. As long as you’re finish playing, you’re free to leave the room. Likewise when playing in this option, you can access multiple chess games at a time.

As you wish, you can make a move on one game then another move on the second game and so on. Your opponent can also see your moves as long as he or she gets online. Likewise, it’s up to both of you to decide on time frame if any. But what’s more interesting is that you can opt to chat with your opponent and ask for advises or raise your reactions in the game. You can also agree the number of moves before deciding to log off.

Today, more and more people are playing chess games online. And because of the unstoppable enhancements, hybrid sites are being established. These sites can be played using both options. Hybrid sites also allow game pause. As the player wishes, he or she can leave the game and go back later. Similarly, these sites also allow downloading and saving game for later analysis. Moreover, there’s not time limit in playing with hybrid sites.