Both Players Have Clocks, Which Clock Is To Be Used?

Running Chess Tournaments
1

In a tournament where both players have clocks and they both want to use their own clock, what is the rule on this? Which clock is to be used?

A reference to the rule stating this would be appreciated.

             Thank you.  :slight_smile:
2

See page 223 rule 39A. Black has choice but delay has priority over non-delay provided both players are punctual.

3

If the time control for the game is not a sudden death (final) time control and no delay or increment is specified, does a clock with delay/increment capabilities still have priority over a clock that does not have delay/increment capabilities, since that capability is superfluous?

4

Some tournaments advertise their own rules regarding clock preference, which might not be the same as USCF Rules.

5

The wording of rule 39A implies that the norm is for Black to have the choice but that this norm is overridden when Black does not have standard equipment and White does. Rule 42D indicates that a delay/increment clock is considered standard for sudden death time control, so that White has the right to overrule Black’s preference if White has a delay/increment clock and Black doesn’t. For a game without a sudden death time control, however, Black’s clock would be considered standard even if it does not have delay/increment capability, so Black’s right to make the choice should normally prevail.

Bob