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Zeno Blitz Chess Timer

Tournament Timer

Preset: 5+0 — the standard blitz format

minutes / side
seconds / move

Tap a clock face to pass the move. First to run out of time loses.

Playing Blitz Chess

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.