A chess clock gives each player a bank of time that runs down only on their own turn, and the three common timing modes differ in what happens after you move. Fischer adds time, Bronstein returns time you just spent, and simple delay pauses the clock briefly before it counts down.
The Basics
Each side has its own display. When you finish a move you press your side of the clock, which stops your time and begins your opponent’s. If a player’s time reaches zero, they lose on time under most rules, unless the opponent cannot possibly checkmate.
- The main time is the amount each player receives at the beginning.
- Timing modes add small adjustments every move.
- Event rules decide which mode is used, so check the notice for your game.
The Three Timing Modes
| Mode | What happens on each move | Can you build up extra time? |
|---|---|---|
| Fischer increment | A fixed amount is added to your clock after you move | Yes |
| Bronstein delay | The time you spent is given back, up to the delay amount | No |
| Simple delay | The clock waits for the delay amount before it counts down | No |
Fischer is named after Bobby Fischer, who promoted the idea. Bronstein is named after David Bronstein. Simple delay is sometimes called US delay or a plain delay, depending on the clock and the region.
A Quick Example
Imagine a setting with a five-second value. Under Fischer, if you move in two seconds you gain five seconds, so you end up with more time than before. Under Bronstein, if you move in two seconds you get two seconds back, so your total is unchanged. Under simple delay, you spend the first five seconds of your turn with a frozen clock, and if you move in two seconds you lose nothing, but the unused three seconds are not saved.
How to Choose a Setting
- Pick a main time that fits the length of game you want, such as a fast game or a longer classical one.
- Choose Fischer increment if you want players to be able to bank time and avoid frantic endings.
- Choose a delay mode if you want a strict total length for an event, since time cannot grow.
- Confirm which delay type your clock uses, because menus often use different names.
- Test the setting on a practice game before an important event.
FAQ
Which mode is most common in online chess?
Increment is widely used online because it fits digital clocks well. Many in-person events use either increment or delay, so read the event rules.
Does the delay stop me from losing on time?
No. A delay only protects the first few seconds of each move. If your main time reaches zero and you take longer than the delay, the clock still runs out.
The Short Version
Fischer adds time after each move, Bronstein gives back what you used, and simple delay waits before counting down. Choose Fischer if you want time to accumulate, and a delay mode if you need a firm maximum game length.
