One device, two players, a real chessboard
A two-player clock gives each player a separate time budget. While one player thinks, that player’s clock runs. After making a move, the player taps their clock to stop their time and start the opponent’s. The physical board holds the game; the app handles the timing.
Chess Clock shows two large clock faces facing opposite players. White and Black labels make the sides easy to identify. Position your iPhone where both players can reach it without leaning across the pieces. An iPad can provide a larger shared display; the app supports iPhone and iPad running iOS or iPadOS 17 or later.
Choose the time control before the first move
- Agree on the starting time and timing mode with your opponent.
- Choose a free 1, 3, 5 or 10 minute preset, or a quick tournament preset.
- Select Fischer, Bronstein or US Delay and an available common increment or delay value.
- Check the setup summary, then use Start to begin.
- After making a move on the board, tap your active side to pass the clock to your opponent.
The current setup keeps Start available while you adjust the time control. You do not need an account, according to the app’s privacy policy. Try a few turn switches together before playing your first timed game.
Understand the timing mode you selected
With Fischer increment, a fixed number of seconds is added after a completed move. Bronstein returns the time spent on the move up to the selected delay, provided the move is completed before flag fall. US Delay waits through the selected delay before reducing the main time. The same number of seconds can produce different clock behavior.
Our timing-system comparison explains these differences with worked examples. Decide on the mode as well as the number; “five seconds extra” alone does not identify the time control.
Pause, resume and finish a game
Use pause when you need to stop the game, then resume when both players are ready. Pause and resume are free features. A tap during normal play changes turns; pausing is a separate action, so make sure both players know which control to use.
The clock shows tenths automatically below one minute and provides flag-fall detection, haptic feedback and an end-of-game signal. The app is a timer: it does not decide whether a board position is checkmate or whether a draw should be claimed. Record White wins, Black wins or a draw when the game ends.
Keep a useful record of the session
Game history is included for free. It records the result, move count, time control and timestamps, so you can review which format you played and when. A move count is not a list of chess moves. The listing does not advertise a scoresheet, position analysis, PGN export or automatic notation recording.
For short sessions, see using a clock for Blitz. For more thinking time, see using a clock for Rapid. The basic two-player workflow stays the same.
What is free, and when do I need Pro?
The free app includes the standard presets, all three timing systems, common increment and delay values, pause/resume and history. No player sees ads, and there is no subscription. Pro is an optional one-time unlock for custom game lengths, custom increment and delay values, and advanced timing customization.
A phone clock can be practical for friendly games and club practice. For an organized event, ask the organizer which devices and time controls are permitted; the App Store listing does not establish tournament certification.
Product features: Chess Clock on the App Store. Standard timing modes are free; Pro unlocks custom values.