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How to Play Chess With a Clock

Chess can be a slow and tedious game because each move that you make can effect subsequent moves that you or your opponent will make. To speed up the game, try using a chess clock, which sets a specific amount of time for the game to be played in. The chess clock will actually have two clocks built into it -- one to record your time and one to record your opponent's time.

Things You'll Need

Chess clock

Instructions

- 1
  Set the chess clock to your preferred game length. If you want to play a one hour game, set each of the dials within the clocks to 5:30; each of you will have 30 minutes to try to beat your opponent. Time expires when the clock reaches 6:00. There will be two dials on the back of the clock that you turn to set the time.
- 2
  Place the chess clock beside your chess board so that the two clock faces are directed toward the board.
- 3
  Set up the chess board as you normally would and decide who will make the first move.
- 4
  Make the first move and hit the button on your side of the clock. This will begin your opponent's timer. Your opponent will do the same when he is finished making his first move and your timer will start.
- 5
  Continue making moves and hitting the timer after every move. You win if you Checkmate your opponent before your time expires. If neither of you Checkmate before your times expire, the match is a draw.

Chess & Checkers