Chess Clock Etiquette for Beginners

The Short Answer

After you make your move, press the clock with the same hand you moved with. Your opponent’s time then starts running. Press it cleanly, once. Don’t slam it, don’t press it before you let go of the piece, and don’t forget to press it at all.

Who Starts the Clock?

At the beginning of the game, Black starts White’s clock. This is a specific rule — Black presses the button to begin White’s time before White has moved. White then makes a move and presses the clock to start Black’s time.

In practice, many beginners get confused at this moment. If you’re playing White, sit down and wait. If you’re playing Black, you’re responsible for starting the clock. If neither player starts it, the game is delayed — just press it and begin.

The Core Rule: Same Hand, After the Move

Press the clock with the same hand you used to move the piece. You should not move with your right hand and press the clock with your left. This rule prevents players from hovering the clock hand while moving — everything must be done with one hand.

The correct sequence:

1. Pick up your piece
2. Place it on the destination square
3. Release the piece
4. Press the clock

Pressing the clock before you release the piece is technically a violation. At the beginner level this is rarely called, but build the right habit from the start.

Press It, Don’t Slam It

Press the clock button firmly once and let go. Don’t hold it down. Don’t slap it hard. Modern digital clocks (like the DGT North American) require only light pressure.

Slamming the clock is considered poor etiquette and will irritate opponents and arbiters. It can also damage clocks. Press cleanly and move on.

Don’t Press the Clock After Illegal Moves

If you make an illegal move and it’s caught, the position must be restored and the illegal move doesn’t count. Do not press the clock after an illegal move. If you already pressed it, call the tournament director.

What Happens When You Run Out of Time

If your flag falls (your time reaches zero), you lose the game — unless your opponent does not have sufficient material to checkmate you, in which case it is a draw.

When time expires, the clock shows 0:00 (or some clocks flash or display a flag symbol). Either player may claim the time forfeit by calling the tournament director. Don’t just sit there — make the claim.

Increment vs. Delay: What Your Clock Is Doing

Some time controls use increment (you get extra seconds added after each move) and others use delay (a grace period before your clock starts counting down after your opponent presses).

• Increment: Your time goes up by a few seconds (often 5 seconds) each time you press the clock.
• Delay: Your clock waits a few seconds before ticking after your opponent presses. Common in USCF events (SD/29 d5 means 5-second delay).

If you’re unsure what time control is being used, ask the tournament director before round 1.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Forgetting to press the clock. This costs you time. After every move, pressing the clock must be automatic — build the habit in casual games before your first tournament.

Pressing with the wrong hand. Move and press with the same hand, always.

Pressing before releasing the piece. Finish the move completely, then press.

Stopping the clock to think. You cannot stop the clock unless there is a legitimate reason to call the tournament director (dispute, broken clock, etc.). You cannot pause it just because you need more time.

Hovering over the clock. Some players hold their hand over the clock button while the opponent thinks, ready to press immediately. This is considered intimidating and poor etiquette. Keep your hands on the table or in your lap while waiting.

Clock Ownership and Setup

If only one player has a clock, that player’s clock is used. If both players have a clock, White’s clock is used by convention (or whatever the organizers specify). Set the clock to the correct time control before the game — not during it.

If you’re unsure how to set your clock, practice at home the night before. See our DGT clock setup guide for step-by-step instructions.

At-a-Glance: Clock Etiquette Rules

Situation	What to do
Start of game	Black presses clock to start White’s time
After your move	Press clock with the same hand you moved with
Piece not released	Release piece first, then press
Illegal move	Do not press clock — call TD
Your time expires	Either player calls TD to claim win
Broken clock	Stop play, call TD immediately
Dispute about time	Call TD — do not adjust the clock yourself

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Also see: Best Chess Clock for Tournament Play | How to Set a DGT Chess Clock | What to Bring to a Chess Tournament

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my own chess set to tournaments?

In most USCF-rated tournaments, the organizer provides the sets and boards. However, it's common practice to bring your own DGT clock, as organizers may not have enough clocks for every board.

What happens if I arrive late to a tournament round?

Under USCF rules, if you arrive after the time delay has expired and your clock has been started, you may forfeit the game. Check the specific tournament's late arrival policy, but typically you have from 30 minutes to 1 hour from the start of the round.

Can parents watch during games?

Policies vary by tournament. Many scholastic events allow parents to observe from a distance, but parents cannot advise players during games. Some events have designated spectator areas. Check the specific event rules.