| Using a Chronos chess clock in the Twixt tourney A chess clock is actually two timers in a single housing. Each timer shows how much time a player has left to make all his moves in that game. To start the game, the 2nd player pushes his button to start the 1st player's clock. Only one timer is running at any moment. The timers count down to zero. Each time a move is made, that player should push his button to stop his clock and start his opponent's. (Of course, substitute "her" for "his" if the player is female.) There are red LEDs on top of the clock that indicate whose move it is. When you use a chess clock, it becomes just as much a part of the game as the board and pieces. If you run out of time, the clock will automatically stop, and the red LED will remain lit for the player who overstepped. If that player has not completed a winning bridge, The opponent may then claim a win on time. The GM or assistant may also declare a win. Spectators should please not make any comment, however. A loss on time is unfortunate, and we hope it can be avoided. The time control is 25 minutes per player, which is usually enough to make all your moves. In addition, there is a 30 second Bronstein style interval for each move. If you take less than 30 seconds to make your move, then when you push your button, your time will be restored to the same value it had at the beginning of your move. If you take more than 30 seconds, then 30 seconds will be added to your remaining time when you push your button. This means you will always have at least 30 seconds for each move you make. The clock will beep once, as a warning, when you have just 10 seconds left. The first image below shows what the display will look like before the game begins. Each timer will show 24:30 remaining for that player. The moment either side button is touched, 30 seconds will be added to both clocks, and the timer on the other side from the button will start counting down. The second image shows what the clock will look like, shortly after the right button is touched. The LED on the left side is lit, although it doesn't show up well in the photo. If a dispute or some distraction arises during a game, please raise your hand for the TD, who will stop the clock if necessary. If the TD is not immediately available and if both players agree, they can stop the clock by briefly pressing the red button in the center. The TD will restart the clock. Don't worry about turning the clock off at the end of the game. |
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