Chess Clock Apps For Cell Phones,Ipod's,Ipad's and Kindles

Running Chess Tournaments
1

Has anyone had players wanting to use Chess Clock App’s downloaded to Ipad’s,Ipod’s and Cell Phones? What would be the rules if any? and has anyone received complaints about cell phone usage during a match?

I saw this topic posted as a Cool Chess Tip on a Chess Tournament Flyer and it got me thinking about cell phone use and those rules.

2

I have not experienced players suggesting the use of a Clock app in a tournament.

As a TD I wouldn’t have an issue with it given a few particular circumstances. Basically it’s a last resort. Unless otherwise stated, I am assuming a USCF-rated tournament situation.

“No” Situations

  • A delay/inc clock is available (borrow, etc.)
  • A delay/inc clock isn’t available…the app doesn’t have delay/inc…and an analog clock is available
  • The clock owner is not ready to accept responsibility if the device is damaged in a clock bashing end-of-game situation (in this case I can treat the game like many scholastic situations…unclocked until I can get a clock with equal time on it).

“Yes” Situations (when the owner can show me clock performance is similar to other digital clocks)

  • Delay/inc/analog clocks are unavailable and the device owner is OK with potential clock-bashing situations
  • It’s an unrated tournament and the device owner is OK with potential clock-bashing situations

I am pretty familiar with iGameClock and ChessClock for iPhone and have used them in G/15 skittles games. They’re great for portability, but there is no way in h-e-l-l that I am playing blitz with my phone as the clock.

3

Digital chess clock applications on smart phones are really cheap. I’m not sure what the USCF position is on allowing it chess tournaments, but I would lean towards it not be accepted. I have never had players wanting to use chess clocks applications in a tournament. The problem with the chess clock app is that a call, text message, or anything other program running in the background could interrupt it. Most smart phones have a feature called airplane mode that turns off all wireless radios on the phone. Another thing to consider is the battery life, which may not be able to last long time controlled game.

– Jabari

4

I had a player use it in one of my tournaments this winter. Time limit was G/80 d:5. None of his opponents objected to using it. It seemed to work well.

5

I would not want my opponent banging his hand on my personal device, especially during time pressure.

– Jabari

6

I have seen them in use at CCA tournaments and have not had any complaints. As a TD, if it’s OK with both players, it’s OK with me. The ones I’ve seen in use have a clear display. The only weakness I’ve noticed is that it’s difficult to see which side is running from a distance. I haven’t had an occasion in which the battery life has been a factor yet but I could imagine that it is more likely than with a digital chess clock. As for receiving texts or calls, I assume that there is an option to turn that off. If not, then as a TD I would have an objection.