Use of Digital Clocks
Digital clocks are increasingly replacing analogue clocks
for use in chess matches. There are many clocks available at a range of prices
from £15 to £70 each. Essentially, they come in two types:-
1.
Single time period clocks – these allow for a single
programmed time period. You cannot program a quick play finish within a set
time following a given amount of moves. In other words, you cannot add an extra
15 minutes of playing time following black’s 35th move without
manually adjusting the clock. This manual adjustment is not allowed under FIDE
rules. These clocks are fine for quick play, rapid play or blitz games in which
there is a single playing period. They are typically priced at £15-£30 each.
2.
Multiple time period clocks – these allow for one or more
additional time periods after the initial time control to be defined by the
user and saved. Some only allow one user-defined set of timings and moves to be
saved, others up to three. They are typically priced at £30-£100 each.
The DGT 2010 digital chess clock is approved by FIDE as
the official FIDE chess clock. It is usually priced at £69.99 each. They can be bought for £62.60 each details
or £59.67 details
The Leap KK 9908 digital chess clock is also a FIDE approved chess clock. It is usually priced at £34.95 each details
or £36.99 details
or even £24.99 each (Leap PQ 9907S) details
The April 2018 FIDE Competition Rules do not specifically mention how electronic
chess clocks must function.
The 2018 FIDE Laws do not specifically mention how electronic
chess clocks must function.
The 2011 FIDE Tournament Rules provide the fullest
description of requirements:-
1)
If electronic chess clocks are used, they must
function in full accordance with the FIDE Laws.
2)
The display should at all times show the time
available to complete a player’s next move.
3)
The displays must be legible from a distance of at
least 3 metres.
4)
From at least a distance of 10 metres a player must
have a clearly visible indication of which clock is running.
5)
In the case of a time control being passed, a sign
on the display must signal clearly which player passed the time control first.
6)
For battery-powered clocks, a low-battery
indication is required.
7)
In the case of a low-battery indication the clock
must continue to function flawlessly for at least 10 hours.
8)
Special attention should be given to the correct
announcement of time controls being passed.
9)
In the case of accumulative or delay timing
systems, the clock should not add any additional time when a player has passed
the last time control.
10)
In the case of time penalties it must be possible
for time and move-counter corrections to be executed by an arbiter within 60
seconds.
11)
It must be impossible to erase or change the data
in the display with a simple manipulation.
12)
Clocks must have a brief user manual for the clock.
Electronic chess clocks used for FIDE events must be endorsed by the FIDE
Technical Commission.
The 2019 FIDE Standards of Chess Equipment lists the FIDE endorsed
electronic clocks:-
5.4
The electronic chess clocks endorsed by the FIDE.
5.5.1
DGT XL (year 2007).
5.5.2
DGT 2010 (year 2010).
5.5.3
Silver Timer (year 2007).
5.5.4
Sistemco (year 2009).
5.5.5
DGT 3000 (year 2014).
5.5.6
CE clock (2017).
5.5.7
LEAP clock KK 9908 (2017).
It is useful if clocks can quickly and easily be paused
either to summon an arbiter’s assistance or to vacate a building should a fire
alarm sound or to prove a loss on time.
Items in bold are quotes from FIDE Laws or Rules, all
other text is hopefully useful, but is the opinion of Adrian Gladwell and not
necessarily endorsed by Wiltshire Chess.
2019
FIDE Standards of Chess Equipment
September 2015 (updated links September 2023)