Clocks - Buyers Guide

Chess clocks bring a whole new dimension to a game of chess. Nowadays chess clocks are common in club and school competitions alike, and are of course popular for those who enjoy playing some blitz chess when the chance arises. With so many clocks on the market, it can be a little daunting knowing which is right for you.
Digital or analogue?

The main decision is whether to opt for a traditional analogue chess timer, or one of the more versatilte digital clocks. Analogue timers are an ideal and more economic way of introducing clocks into your games. You can set the time simply by adjusting the handles on the clock faces, and you simply press the button on your clock when you make your move. Simple! One of the best analogue timers, the Garde Clock, was in fact used in numerous World Championship matches, including Kasparov vs. Short in 1993.

Digital timers are a more sophisticated, and offer more in the way of different time settings. Whilst this can prove a little intimating at first site, they can be a lot of fun! For instance, with Fischer timings you gain an additional amount of time every time you make a move. An added advantage is that you can see precisely how much time you have left, allowing you to use every precious second.