Chess Clocks
How do you keep games of chess to a manageable length? Answer, by employing a chess clock which, in the mechanical analogue versions at least, display twin clock faces which show the time allotted and used by each player. At the end of their moves on the board the players hit the button on the top of the clock to start the time running on their opponents dial. When each button is depressed equally both clocks stop running; this enable time outs to be taken. A red flag in the top left quadrant of the dial is flipped when play reaches the last five minutes. As with all mechanical clocks care should be taken not to over wind the mechanisms and slow or fast running clocks can be brought back in equilibrium by means of a small thumb lever in an elliptical slot on the rear of the case, one behind each dial. Move the lever towards the plus sign speeds up the clock, towards the minus sign slows down the clock.
The best sort of mechanical chess clocks are made by the German company Roland and these are all now made with a stylish modern plastic case in two or three solid colours and a transparent version which shows off the clock mechanisms inside. Hoyle’s stocks these clocks and, depending on exchange rates, they retail between £40 and £49. A good sturdy value for money clock comes from the Czech Republic and comes in a wooden case made of beech either in a normal upright version or in a tilt-back version for clubs where strong lighting can lead to difficulties in reading the faces. We sell these at Hoyle’s at around £35.
The number one choice for electronic digital clocks comes from Saiteck and typically retails at £49. These clocks are much more versatile than their mechanical cousins as they can be programmed to time games in other than straight time for example for Bronnstein or Blitz chess.
Chess clocks can be used to time games other than chess where two players or two teams compete, notably the Oriental game of Go. |
|
|
|
|
