Using Timers
Playing Chess Matches with a Timer

Timers are a standard part of rated (USCF) chess tournaments, so it is important to understand how timers are used in a chess match, and some basic timer etiquette.

Timers are typically of the wind up (analog) or digital kind.  They will either have two clock faces on one timer, or two digital time displays on the same timer.  Above, or next to each clock face or time display will be a button.  When one player pushes their button, it causes their opponents time to run, and vice versa.

When playing in a match where time is a factor, the time will usually