time-control notation for dummies

Hi,

I am new around here and baffled by the time-control notation. I would like to make my debut against another human soon but when I look at https://www.chess.com/play/online I don't even understand what is meant by 2|1 or 15|10.

Also, I don't understand, where it says, e.g., "10 min" does it mean the players get 10 minutes in which to complete all their moves, or is it a maximum time per move, analogous to the shot clock in basketball?

Thanks. Looking forward to giving and receiving some friendly pain.

The first number is the starting time for both players, and the second number is the increment (or bonus time in seconds awarded to each player after making a move).

For example, 15|10 means both players start with 15 minutes on their clock.  After a move, a player is awarded 10 additional seconds to their clock.  

A time control which says "10 min" is 10|0 - ten minutes on each players clock with no added time throughout the game.

Some additional information: https://support.chess.com/article/445-how-do-the-time-controls-work-in-live-chess

For some additional clarification, the time on your clock reflects the total time you have to make your moves.  If your timer runs to zero, then you lose the game.

The only exception to this rule is if your opponent does not have sufficient material necessary to checkmate you.  In that instance, running out of time will result in a draw.

I hope this clears up time controls for you!

Just to add that informally players also use G30 to mean 30|0 or G10 to mean 10|0 for example. It simply means Game in 30 mins with no increment, or Game in 30.

Live Chess and Time Controls....

https://www.chess.com/news/view/live-chess-and-time-controls-5576

Very helpful, thank you! @alramech I figured this had to be documented somewhere but could not find it, thanks.

I have never played anything faster than what my buddies used to call speed chess, where you had five minutes for all your moves, period. The idea of one minute each for the entire game -- I have trouble imagining moving my hands fast enough, never mind my mind!