A chess clock is actually a set of two clocks linked together, so that when one stops the other starts. This allows both players to be timed, and for the difference in time to be calculated easily. Each clock has a tiny lever near the 12. When the minute hand of the clock approaches 12, is raises the lever and when it passes the 12 it falls. The little lever is called a flag. The flag tells you exactly when time is up. When you call someone on time it is sometimes referred to as flagging your opponent.
To keep game times to a minimum, chess clocks are often used at tournaments. There are different categories of timed play, but most tournaments allow over an hour total for the game. International chess has a standard time control of 40 moves in 2 hours and then an extra hour to reach move 60. After this, if the game is still in progress a quickplay finish decides the game.
An example would be 40/2 & G/60. This means that you have 2 hours to make 40 moves and 60 minutes to finish the game after that.
Time Control Categories
Standard - The norm (example above)
Rapidplay - 30 minutes and under for each player to complete all moves.
Blitz - 5 minutes and above for each player to complete all moves.
Note: I can't say where the barrier between Blitz and Rapidplay is. If you know, please contact the Webmaster.
Lightning - Under 5 minutes for each player to complete all moves. Digital clocks are usually required as analog chess clocks usually aren't accurate to the second.
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