Chess clocks are fun too!

This week I want to pay special attention to Chess Clocks, I have noticed that many people don't play with a chess clock, and also that many other have never even used one. Playing chess with a chess clock adds a lot more spice to a game of chess, but just as a warning, chess clocks kill the relaxing element of chess!
You will see a few articles and reviews soon on chess clocks that I think are ideal for the club player, the tournament player, and for just people that enjoy playing chess like me!

Digital Chess Clock Review

In this article i'm going to list off the digital chess clocks that are worth buying, i'm going to give you the facts, the features, and the figures, and let you decide which one is best for you. These digital chess clocks are going to be the cream of the crop, for their categories.

The DGT 2010 digital chess clock is on of the best professional chess clocks made. The DGT 1020 digital chess clock is real easy to operate as far as chess clocks go. It's small enough to travel around with and the DGT 1020 digital chess clock is power conserving, it can run a really long time on the same batteries. For a professional digital chess clock, go with the DGT Easy.

Chronos digital chess clocks are by far the strongest digital chess clocks made, they all come in a steel housing that protects the Chronos Digital chess timer like armor. That said, the Chronos digital chess clock is also a joy to use, all the modes ever invented for chess come programmed into the clock, each setting is fully adjustable, and you can have pre-programmed time so you don't have to re-set the time after you play a game. It's crazy all the things you can program the Chronos chess timer to do, you can even program in different sounds it can make! Chronos digital chess clocks come in two styles, button, and touch sensor. Kids like the button Chronos clock better because they like to slam a chess piece down on the clock after they capture it. Adults like the sensor Chronos clock better because it makes less noise.

Chronos Blitz digital chess timers are almost just the same as the original Chronos chess clock, they just come smaller/lighter, and pre-programmed with blitz modes and times. Just like to original Chronos chess timer, the Blitz Chronos digital chess clock is fully programmable.

Dueltimer Champion digital chess clock is the most beautiful chess clock I have ever seen, it is made out of walnut and the faceplate with the control buttons on it is made of shining metal. It looks really good next to the Drueke 21" walnut chess board. Looks good is one thing, but the Dueltimer Champion digital chess clock also works good, it comes with delay modes, and programmable time modes.

I have used all of these digital chess clocks and i'm quite familiar with them, if you have any questions then post a comment and I will answer them.

Saitek Digital Chess Timer

Saitek is producing a new chess timer called the Saitek Competition Game Clock. This digital chess timer is very classy looking. This new Saitek chess timer has loads of modesw and features. One of the great things about this new digital chess timer is that the LCD screen's are seperated, that elimenates a lot of confusion during a chess game and just looks more orderly. Another cool thing about Saiteks new chess timer is that it doesn't cost to much, you almost never see a digital chess clock going for as little as the new Saitek chess timer, it only costs $26.95! I personally don't think that price will last much longer.

Digital Chess Timer

The Excalibur digital chess timer is the most well know digital chess clock. You see the Excalibur chess timer most often in scholastic chess tournaments. The extreme affordability, accuracy, and reliability, have made it the clock of choice. The Excalibur chess timer is the only chess clock that is officially sanctioned by the USCF (United States Chess Federation).

It features a large LCD digital screen, all the modern delay modes are available with the Excalibur chess timer, the proven accuracy of the Excaliber chess timer is the best part of owning a digital chess timer.

But for a really nice chess timer, like one you would take to the coffee shop, you would want to get something with better looks, and with quieter buttons.

The Chronos digital chess timer is, in my opinion the best chess clock ever made. The Chronos digital chess timer comes in 2 body styles, one is the Chronos Blitz digital chess timer, which is smaller. And the other is the Chronos digital chess timer, larger than the Blitz Chronos chess clock. Then there are 2 button styles, there is the classic Chronos chess timer buttons, and then there is the touch sensor button. The Chronos Blitz and the regular Chronos chess timer come with either button styles. The touch style button is extremely nice, it makes absolutely no noise when you touch the button

The Chronos Blitz digital chess timer comes pre-programmed speed chess modes already on it, and it is a better travel chess timer. The larger, original Chronos chess timer is programmed for classical chess. But both chess timers are fully programmable to suit your needs, it is super simple to operate once you get the hang of it, there are only three buttons on the both Chronos chess timers.

And I have yet to get to the best part of this chess timer, the Chronos chess timer has got battle proven armor. That's right, the casing on the Chronos digital chess timer is one piece construction steel plate. I have seen a chronos chess clock after it has be run over by a truck, it was slightly squashed, But the clock still worked the same! There is no other chess clock I know of that could even come close to that tough!

Here is a helpful free video guide on how to operate and program the Chronos Digital Chess Timer

DGT Chess Clocks

The DGT Easy Chess Clock is so nice, it is simple to use and makes a game of chess so much more exciting. Playing a game of chess with a DGT Easy chess clock adds a new element to the game of chess, when it's a race for time and checkmate it's really an adrenaline rush. It might be hard to believe but it's true, the DGT Easy chess clock is digital, but it's really easy to use. The buttons are all positioned on the front of the chess clock where they are easily manipulated by the operator. The DGT Easy chess clock is the simplest chess clock of all to use, even little kids can easily operate the DGT easy chess clock, just show them how it works the first time and they will be able to program and re-program it every time!

Classic Chess Clock

Made with the same design as the original German BHB classic chess clocks, these Classic chess clocks are the classical wind up analog chess clocks that you remember from the old chess tournaments! the wind up the same, they tick the same, they even make lots of noise when you slam the buttons! These classic chess clocks are probably the most portable chess clocks available, they are rectangel in shape and fit easily into any chess bag I have ever seen. this is a big bonus for traveling. And then the classic chess clocks wind up system is regulated to give you exact, dead on timeing. There are several chess clubs and schools that still use classic chess clocks, and for that reason there are quantity discounts offered.

Quartz Classic Style Chess Clock

The Quartz chess clock is the cheapest reliable chess clock available to buy. It only costs the list price is $29.95 but is now available for just $24.95! And if bought in large quantities you can get them for even less! This chess clock is an inexpensive alternative to the more expensive digital chess clocks. It is a simple battery operated chess clock with the classic double clock face on it. The time with the Quartz chess clock is right on, and it only requires one AA battery to operate it. Also it is very low maintenance, you can run the Quartz chess clock on the same battery for an unbelievable amount of time!

DGT Chess Clocks

The DGT Easy Chess Clock is fast becoming the scholastic tournament chess clock. The DGT Easy chess clock is just so much simpler to use than other chess clocks. It is really easy to program the DGT Easy chess clock, and most of the time in scholastic chess tournaments the kids are the ones setting the chess clocks to the proper time. That is the main reason the DGT Easy chess clock is becoming the popular chess clock of the day. However, the DGT Easy chess clock does not have as many modes as other chess clocks. The main thing DGT Easy chess clocks are missing is delay modes. But other than that the DGT easy chess clock is the best, easiest to use chess clock made. And the DGT Easy chess clock comes in four colors, blue, red ,yellow and green. The real sinking factor for schools, is the price of the DGT Easy chess clock, it is very affordably priced.

DGT has made another chess clock called the DGT Easy+ chess clock. The DGT Easy+ chess clock has all the modes that are lacking in the DGT Easy chess clock, but otherwise it has the same basic design, but the DGT Easy+ only comes in black.

DGT chess set update

DTG chess sets have come out with great new board styles/types and pieces designes.

The new DGT boards come in serveral different kinds of wood, including Rosewood DGT boards, and Walnut DGT boards.

The DGT chess pieces also comes in several styles, like the DGT ebonized professional chess pieces, the DGT Timeless chess pieces, And the DGT Classic chess pieces.

And from what I understand a lot of schools are using the new DGT easy + clock for tournament chess now, you might want to check that chess clock out.

DGT Rosewood Chess Board

DGT Ebonized Professional Chess Pieces

DGT Classic chess pieces

DGT Timeless Chess Pieces

Chess Clock

The chess clock was designed for competitive chess players that wanted to add more spice to their games by throwing a time factor into the game. Chess clocks worked so good for chess that people started using them for other games like, scrabble, shogi, Go, and a great many more competitive board games. I even have seen Chronos clocks used in courtrooms, I have seen self employed people use chess clocks to track how much time they actually spend working at their jobs, and how much time they spend on their breaks!
But really, chess clocks have a great purpose, there would be no Blitz Chess without a chess clock, and many of the fierce wars waged on the chess board would seem more tame, long, and even boring, especially for onlookers, without the chess clock.
If you enjoy playing chess but don't actually own your own chess clock, you should really consider buying one. Playing chess with a chess clock adds a whole new flavor to the game of chess. Take a look at the Chronos Blitz Clock it's the best blitz chess clock ever made.

DGT Chess Set

The DGT Chess Set is the all time best chess set on the face of the earth! I'll just fill you in a little on the amazing features of the DGT chess set. First of all each individual DGT chess piece is electronically equipped to communicate with the DGT chess board, also each square on the DGT chess board is equipped to communicate with each DGT chess piece.

The DGT chess set allows you to connect from the chess board to a computer through a USB port. It allows you to broadcast games online. This is just another of the great features of the DGT chess set! It is compatible with ICC (a play chess online domain) and has many other online chess functions.

The DGT chess set is made from real, solid wood! so it isn't just great features it has, it looks spectacular! And you can get the DGT chess set with several different styles of DGT chess pieces to choose from. You can even get it in many different board colors. The most popular DGT board color is rosewood though

You can have the computer analyze games while playing a human opponent. The DGT chess board can automatically store chess games in it's memory system that is integrated inside the board; while you are playing it stores the information and you can transfer the games as PGN later.

There is also a DGT Chess Clock specially designed to operate with the DGT chess board, it connects to the chess board and provides you with a hands off chess clock that switches the time from side to side as you move pieces.

And lastly of all, a good DGT Chess Bag has been made for the safe transport of the DGT chess set, it has all the room you would need to carry a DGT board, DGT chess pieces, DGT chess clock and all the cords/cables required to operate the DGT chess set.

But don't just take my word for it that the DGT chess set is the finest chess set on the face of the earth, just read these testimonies of very satisfied people.


Quotes about the DGT e-board

Mit meinem DGT-Brett / seriell, HP iPAQ Pocket PC H5550 mit Grandmaster bin ichsehr zufrieden.(With my DGT Board (Serial), HP iPAC Pocket PC H5550 running Grandmaster, I am very satisfied.)> F.W. Februari 2004

"I got my DGT board last weekend and I am very glad to report that it definitely meets all the high expectations I had. The board and the pieces are really nice and more importantly it works like a charm!"> G. Februari. 2004

"The inclusion of FTP load adjusting is really fantastic! By reducing FTP transfers when errors occur, and making FTP more active when there is capacity, TOMA is now much more reliable with its file transfers and is even more efficient in its use of available network bandwidth.Together with the ability to automatically upload PGN files, to facilitate ICC relays, you have really come up with something special.Fantastic work!"> G.B. Januari 2003

"Ik heb een DGT schaakbod gekocht, en dat was allesbehalve een miskoop."(I bought a DGT chess board and it was all but a bad bargain.")> J.H. Januari 2003

"I must again give you my blessings and my deepest appreciation for all you have done. Your creation of the dgt board has given legally blind people, like myself, the ability to play chess against a computer, or against anyone else on the internet.My deepest regards,"> A.G. februari 2003

"In general I can only say the DGT board gives you the most realistic feeling of playing chess, I don't want to play on screen anymore."> M.C. October 2003

"The greatest christmas-gift i got this year, was the DGT-Board. Whow!"> M.G. December 2002

Quotes from: http://www.dgtprojects.com/eboard_love.htm

DGT Electronic Chess Board & Pieces

I seriously believe this DGT Electronic Chess Board is the greatest analysis tool invented yet, it provides you with a full size chess board on which to play, the squares on the board are the standard FIDE size, ( 2 1/8 inches) the DGT chess board dimensions are 21 X 21 X 1/4. The DGT board has the highest grade auto sensory technology made. The pieces that accompany the DGT electronic chess board correspond electronically with the DGT chess board, for each piece the programming is pre-set what color will appear on the computer screen, the DGT chess board has an internal memory system that saves your moves with a limit of 500 moves. It comes with the software needed to run the DGT electronic chess set alongside your computer. Connects to your computer through a USB cable (included) and there is a jack in the chess board that is specially designed for the DGT Chess Clock, the DGT chess clock connects to the board and all the time on the chess clock is transferred through the DGT chess board to the computer. Another great feature of the DGT chess set is that it is compatible with several different chess programs for even greater and more powerful analysis abilities. These are the compatible programs, Chessmaster, Chessbase, Chess Assistant, Shredder, Junior, Fritz, Hiarcs, and many more! The DGT electronic chess board and DGT chess pieces are available in many different styles/colors for you to choose from. For those of you who are on the run and want your DGT chess board and equipment to tag along DGT has come out with a very handy DGT Chess Bag that will house not only the DGT board but the DGT clock, DGT pieces, you name it, it's got it. If you have the cash, the DGT electronic chessboard is the very best way to improve your chess, and if you can't get any better, (coughs, clears throught) this chess board sure is fun!

Club Chess Sets: Club Chess Set Combos Used In Schools

Club Chess Sets Combos used by school have a very small range of products used, they always use green vinyl roll up boards, black and ivory chess pieces and a cheap chess bag or Chess Piece Pouch. The chess pieces are always the classic Staunton design, you can get weighted Some chess stores have put together chess set combos that have the same chess pieces and boards with different better chess bag options. you are still able to buy the chess set without any bag at all but the extra options are very nice.

The most common chess bag in use is the nylon starter chess bag, it has a zipper pouch with handles and a sleeve, the vinyl chess board easily rolls up for travel and is put in the sleeve, it hangs on the underside of the pouch on the outside of the board. There are two factors that make this chess bag less desirable, the pouch is to small to store a chess clock inside and the pieces are all in one big pouch, black and white pieces jumbled together.

The best chess bag to go with is the Carryall Tournament Chess Bag, the chess board is stored inside of the bag, the pieces have their own pouches, one pouch for black and one for white, the pouches zip up and are very roomy, they are easily capable of storing 4 inch chess pieces. There is a middle pouch for storing the chess clock that zips up as well, also there are 2 small sleeves inside for storing pens or pencils, there is also a separate area for putting chess score sheets, this chess bag has it all. There is even a slot for putting a buisness card! The interior is padded, when full it is able to expand about 4 inches. Lastly it has a strap and very sturdy handles for easy traveling.

All of these Tournament chess set combos are great for travel and the easiest chess sets to store.

Excalibur Chess Clock Game Timer II Digital

The Excalibur Digital Chess Clock II is a good clock for those of you who need a cheaper efficient digital chess clock. This Excalibur game chess clock is loaded with features, including delay, programmable time, and much more. The Excalibur digital chess clock II has a compact design, the body is all plastic and the screen has large easy to read text. The Excalibur digital chess clock is the only chess clock endorsed by the Unites States Chess Federation. Having been made in china hasn't affected the popularity of the Excalibur chess clock a bit, it is by far the most popular of all the cheaper chess clocks and the most often seen.
The downside of the Excalibur chess clock II is the durability (or I should say lack of it) the most susceptible part of this chess clock is the plastic plungers, I have heard horror stories of this clock breaking in mid-game leaving the players without a chess clock. Excalibur Electronics has been creating electronic chess computers and electroic chess clocks for a long time, it is rare that Excalibur chess clocks and computers ever have glitch's or defects.

If you are looking for a durable chess clock with every feature and then some, then the Chronos Digital Chess Clock is the one to go with. The Chronos digital chess clock is the very best chess clock on the market, while it isn't very handsome it has more features than any one chess clock, there is anther thing that adds to this clocks value, the fact that the chronos chess clock is nearly as indestructible as an M1 Abrams (a modern day tank) the outer shell is composed entirely of solid steel makes this chess clock the all time favorite. The chronos chess clock is built for a lifetime of use; I ordered the chronos chess clock online once, and on the way over to my place UPS had jammed a really heavy box onto my package, well when I opened my box I found a chronos chess clock that had been nearly flattened! well I picked that clock up and fired it up, it actually worked! I obviously didn't want a mutilated chess clock so I returned it and got a new one. No other chess clock would have still been working in that condition, so don't get drop jaw syndrome over the price, this clock is worth every penny.

Chronos Digital Chess Clock Review And Video Tutorial

The Chronos Digital Chess Clock is by far the most popular American chess clock. The many user-friendly functions and the fact that it is as indestructible as an M1 Abrams have made the Chronos digital chess clock famous. It comes in two different styles, the Chronos button chess clock and the Chronos touch chess clock. The Chronos Touch Digital Chess Clock is favored more by adults because it eliminates 100% of the sound made by the button clocks. This is the only touch chess clock out on the market today. The kids like the Chronos Button Digital Chess Clock a great deal more than the touch model because after taking a piece they can smash it down on the button. Both the Chronos touch chess clock and the Chronos button chess clock come with an instruction manual, they are fully programmable and they both have the same features. There is a Chronos Chess Clock Tutorial Video made by chesshouse.com that teaches you how to program your Chronos chess clock to meet your needs. Available in more color options than photo's show.

New DGT Easy Game Time Clocks

The new DGT Easy Game Timer is super easy to operate and great for beginners and is a very affordable chess clock. It comes in four colors and operates on 2 AA batteries it does not have delay or bonus time features.


The DGT Easy Game Timer+ is the elite Easy chess clock endorsed by Kramnik, it has bonus time functions and delay among other advanced options. Also requires 2 AA batteries.


Both of these clocks fit well in the Carryall Tournament Chess Bag

Super Blitz Grandmaster Speed Chess DVD!

Have you ever seen Grandmasters

duke it out playing Blitz Chess? It really is amazing, in this DVD the American champion Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura and four other American Grandmasters, Larry Christiansen (author of Storming the Barricades), Joel Benjamin and Alexander Shabalov play a high heat tournament with move by move commentary by Maurice Ashley who is well qualified for the job being a grandmaster as well. He does an amazing job of interpreting the moves played and even moves that would have been a good option. Only ten minutes on the clock per game, this is fast play folks. In a nutshell it is an exciting and inspiring DVD.

More on the Speed Chess DVD

New Hetman Analog Chess Clock!

The Hetman Analog Chess Clock is one of the premium analog clocks that is available on the market. It presents top quality workmanship from Poland. It has a very attractive design and is well thought-out. Most importantly, it has an exclusive flag system which calculates the last five minutes accurately and precisely, furthermore the last two minutes of play are just as accurate! This clock gives batteries the cold-shoulder - just wind it and it is ready for hours of continuous play.

Saitek Launches Game Timer III Digital Chess Clock

Saitek Industries is excited to introduce the new Saitek Game Clock III. This latest digital timer from Saitek is rugged enough for daily use in schools and clubs yet advanced enough to have many features normally found in clocks costing twice the price.

• Sleek and stylish, the large LCD screens display remaining time accurate to the second, as well as countdown and move features, etc.
• Simple controls offer 25 timer modes (including 3 user programmable modes); Hourglass, Blitz, FIDE/ECU/Traditional Tournament, Fischer, Bronstein, Delay and Word Modes5 Second delay mode and negative count for scrabble and other games
• Large buttons with green lights turning red when time has expired. User can enable or disable light and sound modes
• Uses 2 "C" batteries, not included
• Backed by Saitek, a proven name in the chess industry
• 2 Year Warranty