Tournament Timer
Preset: 5+0 — the standard blitz format
Tap a clock face to pass the move. First to run out of time loses.
Blitz is any format under ten minutes per side, and five minutes with no increment (5+0) is the most common standard, used on every major online chess site as the default fast-game setting. At this speed, the clock becomes part of the game itself — strong blitz players deliberately create positions where an opponent has to think, since burning their clock is as valid a strategy as finding the objectively best move.
Without increment, every second matters more as the game goes on, and games are frequently decided on time rather than on the board — a completely lost position can still be saved if the opponent runs out of clock first. This changes opening choices too: sharp, forcing lines that are risky in a slow game become more attractive in blitz, since they force your opponent to spend time calculating under pressure.
If you'd rather play a version with a small time cushion per move, add an increment above — even two or three seconds meaningfully reduces the chance of losing a winning position purely to the clock, at the cost of slightly longer games. This blitz chess timer is pre-set to 5+0 and ready to start above.
What counts as blitz chess?
Any time control under ten minutes per side is generally considered blitz. Five minutes with no increment (5+0) is the most common online default, though 3+2 and 3+0 are also widely used.
Should I use increment in blitz games?
It's a matter of preference. No increment (5+0) produces sharper, more time-pressure-driven games, while a small increment like 3+2 reduces the chance of losing on time alone in an otherwise winning position.
Is blitz chess good for improving, or just for fun?
Both — blitz sharpens pattern recognition and intuition since there's no time for deep calculation, but it's not a substitute for the deeper strategic thinking that slower time controls allow you to practice.
Need a different pace? Try the Rapid Chess Timer, or use the full chess clock to set your own time control.
Black
White
Black wins on time.