Beginner, amateur, club player, IM or GM, all chess players with respect for themselves must of course own a chess clock!

A chess clock consists of two clocks with buttons that when activated, one clock stops and the other starts. Thus, it’s always only the one clock that goes.

The purpose is to keep track of how much time each player uses for his own moves and thus does not illegally delay the game.

Playing a game of chess without a chess clock is in my opinion meaningless, as the time factor is essential for the decisions the players make during the game.

In general, the more time you have to consider, the better decisions you will make.

2018 World Chess Championship

Those who followed the 2018 World Chess Championship between Fabianu Caruana (the Challenger) and Magnus Carlsen (the defending World Champion), and incidentally know a little about the two gentlemen, probably understand what I’m talking about.

After 12 draws in the classical games, Carlsen won all the games of the tiebreak to win 3.0-0.0.

As the final score more than suggests, Caruana and Carlsen are almost equal in classical chess, but it’s well known among chess fans that Caruana is not a particularly strong blitz and rapid player.

At least not compared to Magnus Carlsen!

So the final score hardly came as a surprise to many.

In conclusion, the time factor plays a significant role in chess.

High Quality Chess Boards

In Chess Time Tracking is Paramount

There’s another good reason to keep track of time during a chess game.

A player may theoretically refuse to make a move if he / she realizes that the position is unfavorable or lost. Thus, the game would never be settled.

Back in time I used to play myself in our local chess club and much against my will was often practiced what one could call ‘cozy chess’ or ‘casual chess’, which was games played without a chess clock.

It was cozy, but the problem was that you never knew when your opponent would make a move. Then you were forced to say “It’s your turn!”

And that could happen many times during a game!

Analog or Digital Chess Clocks?

The older chess clocks were analog and in principle they consisted of two common mechanical watches housed in a wood case.

If you cast a quick glance at the dial of an analog chess clock, it reminds of a quite ordinary mechanical clock.

Some players still vow to use analog chess clocks primarily for nostalgic reasons, but the majority of serious players will probably think that the benefits of a digital chess clock are both overwhelming and obvious.

Considerations Before Buying

So which chess clock to go for?

I value functionality higher than aesthetics, so I definitely recommend going for a digital chess clock rather than an analog.

But what else is there to look for? Let’s take them one by one.

Button: Obviously the design of the button is important. It must be easy to reach and easy to press.

Display: The display should be easy to read, even under problematic light conditions.

Brand: DGT is a wellknown company with a good reputation and all models I’ve included in the list are manufactured by DGT.

Features: Apart from time control the more expensive clocks often have advanced functions missing from the cheaper ones.

Price: What is your budget and what do you require from a chess clock?

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1

DGT BonusTimer

A simple, inexpensive yet durable well-made chess clock that will give you many years of trouble-free performance when treated with care.

Simply press + or – to set the time and the game can begin!

Apart from Chess use the BonusTimer with a wide variety of games such as Draughts, Checkers, Poker, Scrabble, Lost Cities, Party & Co, Dominoes, Monopoly or any other two-player game.

Battery included.

CHECK PRICE

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2

DGT North American

This model was developed in cooperation with the United States Chess Federation for the US market, but later also released on to the global market.

The Delay option was made to suit US custom and is different from FIDE clocks.

All other options are according to FIDE rules.

CHECK PRICE

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3

DGT 3000

This is DGT’s most advanced chess clock. It has many great new features and in addition connects with all DGT e-Boards. Simply the best and in full accordance with FIDE rules and regulations.

DGT 3000 replaces DGT XL.

CHECK PRICE

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4

DGT Pi

DGT Pi is so much more than just a chess clock. It’s also a chess computer that turns your e-Board into your strongest sparring partner.

No less than 8 different chess engines are installed including StockFish, Texel, Arasan, Rodent II, Zurichess G, Floyd, Cinnamon 2 and Claudia.

DGT Pi is a great tool for playing chess, for training and for analyzing games and positions over the board, using a traditional wooden chessboard and pieces.

On top of that it’s a fully functional DGT 3000 chess clock.

CHECK PRICE

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