How to use the clock?
I mean if I'm left handed and the clock is on the right side, can I use my left hand to push the clock and make the move too?
I was wondering about the same thing
Have to use the same hand to move and push the clock.
I actually wondered about this, I've noticed in fast games it's traditional for the clock to be on the right of black, making it slightly easier for him to push the clock as compensation for taking the black pieces (I assume), but if I am left handed can't I just agree to have the clock on my left and my opponents right in any situation?
thinking about the same thing.
i guess this is nice thought by playing optimize games we can try to learn to use the clock, this is the new strategy that i use
I believe that in OTB chess, Black gets the choice of which side of the board the clock goes. I know that in blitz (again I mean OTB) you are supposed to hit the clock with the same hand you moved the piece with, but I don't know if there is a similar rule for classical time controls
For all time controls players are required to hit the clock with the same hand that moved the piece.
Of course, this means your arm will cross over the board and then back again if the clock is on your non-dominant side.
Hello all. New to chess and chess.com.
Almost through all of the lessons, and want to get used to playing against a clock. Is that supported somehow, or do I have to wait for the cold, cruel world to experience it?
Thanks.
@BigGiantBrain you will have to wait till you are infront of a real board and chess clock. My suggestion is to practise the technique of moving the piece with your hand and then hitting the clock button with the same hand, as well as capturing a piece with the same hand then moving your piece into position still with the same hand and then hitting the clock button with the same hand. Note you are not allowed to hit the button with the piece you captured or clobber the chess clock button in any way 
It all takes a bit of practise to do fluidly but you will soon get the hang of it. When I capture a piece I sometimes let it move into my palm so I have my fingers now free to move my own piece on the board. Then tap the clock button and put the captured piece down..
On chess.com live players playing live games have it easy....no need to tap any clocks...the moment your move is made the clock starts for your competitor! While you are at it you should also practise recording your and your competitors move on a score sheet... because in a real otb competition that's what you will have to do after every move.
Why does one have to record their moves?
@BigGiantBrain all competitions in real life have an arbiter...an official to decide disputes and enforce the rules. Now lets say you are about to play or have indeed just played a move that has resulted in a threefold repetition. You record the move and immediately claim a draw. The arbiter checks the score sheet and the draw is official. Without the score sheet how could you have proved that there was a threefold repetition? It would be your word against your competitor. But because both competitors have recorded all moves on their score sheet they can be compared and the threefold repetition proved...awarding you the draw. This is just one example of why a score sheet is needed. Another one is the 50 move rule as well.
Another thing you have to be aware of is illegal moves. I don't mean cheating, just players not noticing that they are in check or there move is impossible. The computer simply won't allow an illegal move, but they can happen in real life. In fact, you might make one as well. So be alert
As to the clock, the most important thing you need do remember is to press your clock after you move! It sounds simple, but when you are fully engaged in the position, it isn't that hard to forget to punch your clock, so it will continue to run. Your opponent is not obligated to remind you, and he might not even notice until he goes to punch his clock and find it is already punched! So be alert
Laskernephew:
Thank you very much for taking the time to help.
@BigGiantBrain also note as per FIDE rules one is not allowed to knock or hit the clock button with the piece in one's hand(the piece one has captured). You also have to hit the clock button with the same hand one used to make a move. You are also not allowed to "hover" your finger over the clock in anticipation of hitting the button
Enjoy practising! It becomes easier the more you do it. Also get good at writing down and using algebraec notation. Actually on chess.com in the drills section you can test yourself with board position drills. Go try them.
So otb playing is in some respects harder than computer live chess...as one has more to do. Plus your opponent is busy staring at you and trying to intimidate you lol. But then again..it is against the rules to use any means of putting your opponent off or distracting you on purpose! In the good old days before these rules came into effect some players used all kinds of tricks...like blowing cigarette smoke your way!!! I kid you not!!
Oh by the way the rules also state that on the move sheet/book you are not allowed to make any notes. Only the moves are written down. Famous players have lost a game for writing notes on their score sheet!.
haha..im fail because of the clock
haha..im fail because of the clock
All great info, thanks. Cigarette smoke...ROFL, too funny. There are few things funnier than human nature. I suppose a lot of that boils to the surface in chess. I googled chess clock to see what they are all about, and was very surprised to see all of the different time rules commonly used. Is there one that is typical or most common?