Support
We're here to help you get the most out of Chess Clock.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start a game?
Place your device flat on the table between both players. Tap your time control in the settings (gear icon), then tap your clock zone to start. After making a move, tap your zone to switch the clock to your opponent.
How do I change the time control?
Tap the gear icon in the center control bar. You can choose from preset time controls (Bullet, Blitz, Rapid, Classical) or set a custom time with your preferred minutes and increment.
What are the three delay modes?
Fischer increment adds a set number of seconds after each move. Bronstein delay refunds up to the increment amount based on how long you actually thought — you can never gain net time. Simple delay pauses your clock for the delay period before it starts ticking. Select the delay mode in settings under "Delay Type."
How does handicap mode work?
Handicap mode lets one player start with more time. Open settings and adjust the slider from −50% to +50%. For example, a 10-minute game with +30% gives Player 1 thirteen minutes and Player 2 seven minutes. The resulting times are previewed in real time as you adjust.
What is tournament mode?
Tournament mode locks the settings, reset, and pause controls during active play to prevent accidental disruptions. When enabled, you must long-press the pause button and confirm. Toggle it on in settings — it stays on across sessions.
How do I see move analytics after a game?
When a game ends (by timeout, resignation, checkmate, or draw), a chart icon appears in the control bar next to "New Game." Tap it to see a full breakdown: per-move bar chart, average think time, longest think, and any rushed moves for each player.
What does the flash icon on the clock mean?
That's the time pressure indicator. When a player's last few moves are significantly faster than their overall average, a flash icon and amber dot appear on their clock. It's purely informational — it won't affect gameplay. It disappears when the pace normalizes.
How do I change the sound theme?
Open settings (gear icon) and scroll to "Sound Theme." Choose from Silent (haptics only), Classic (warm wooden click), Digital (crisp electronic tap), or Tournament (subtle mechanical click). Your selection is saved across sessions. All themes include start, low-time warning, and game-end sounds.
Can each player have a different clock colour?
Yes! Open settings and scroll to "Clock Themes." You can independently select a visual theme for Player 1 (bottom) and Player 2 (top). There are seven themes to choose from: Classic Dark, Classic Light, Walnut, Marble, Emerald, Midnight, and Rosewood.
How do I start a match session?
Open settings (gear icon) and scroll to "Session Mode." Choose a series length: Best of 3, 5, 7, 10, or Unlimited. The session starts immediately with a running score in the control bar. Sides alternate each game. After each game, tap "Next Game" to continue. At the end, a summary modal shows per-game results and the winner.
How do I assign player names?
When the game is idle (before starting), tap the player label near each clock. A picker lets you choose from existing players or create a new one. Player names appear on the clocks and are saved with game results for head-to-head tracking.
Where can I see head-to-head stats?
Tap the stats icon (people) in the control bar when no game is active. You'll see a list of player rivalries. Tap any pair to see their win/loss/draw record, results by time control, last five games, and current streaks. You can also rename or delete players from the stats screen.
How do I replay a game's clock history?
After a game finishes, tap the play circle icon in the control bar (next to the analytics chart icon). This opens a full-screen replay where you can scrub through a timeline to see both clocks at every move. Color-coded markers show normal pace, time pressure, and flagged time. Use the play button for auto-playback at 2x, 5x, or 10x speed.
How do I share my clock with spectators?
When the game is idle, tap the eye icon in the control bar. This generates a 6-character code that spectators can use to watch both clocks live. They open your domain followed by /spectate/ and the code in any web browser. Tap the eye icon again to see the code or stop sharing.
How do I end a session early?
During an active session, an "End Session" button appears in the control bar when a game finishes. Tapping it ends the session early and shows the summary with results so far. You can also end a session by pressing End Session alongside "Next Game" after each game.
How do I resign or claim a result?
During a game, small action buttons appear at the bottom of each player's zone. You can resign (flag icon), offer a draw (handshake icon), or claim checkmate (crown icon). Each action requires confirmation to prevent accidental taps.
Which devices are supported?
Chess Clock works on all iPhones, iPads, and Android devices. The layout automatically adjusts for different screen sizes, with larger fonts and controls optimized for tablets. Android devices receive haptic feedback where supported, safe-area handling for notches and gesture navigation bars, and material elevation on all UI surfaces.
Does the app work offline?
Yes, the app works entirely offline. No internet connection is needed. All game data is stored locally on your device.
How do I report a bug?
Please email us at support@chessclock.com.au with a description of the issue, your device model, and iOS version. Screenshots are helpful too.