Hi All:
While directing the Armed Forces Open, had my first situation in a game with the new DGT 360 digital clock. I discovered the following:
1. When a player runs out of time, a flag appears in the display - GOOD!
2. The time display then begins to count upwards - Interesting
3. If the 2nd player then runs out of time, his time display also begins counting upwards but the flag is not set - also interesting.
In the game, I was called over when the first player claimed a win on time (he owned the clock). Player 2 said " I have time left." Player 1 stated that when a player runs out of time, the display begins to count upwards. We restarted the clock and verified it was counting upwards. However as Player 1’s display had a flag showing, I tested the clock to insure that it was not the only flag. Both side’s display have a flag. It is now obvious that player 2 did not notice that that player 1 had flagged. Ruled that both players had flagged and it was a draw.
I am writing to alert you to how this clock works. Until it becomes common in tournament play, I strongly recommend that you insure that the operation of the clock, especially in time forfeit situations has been clearly explained to the opponent. I can see how someone not familiar with the clock might miss the flag fall as the display still shows time.
The clock is not set correctly. I have one of those and the count does not go up when the time has expired, if set properly. The player needs to make sure the middle of the display says “delay” on it and “bonus” should not be displayed.
A player setting a clock incorrectly. Something new in every tournament.
I had taken a quick look at the manual he had with him and it was not too helpful. After posting and needing to check the model number, I went to the DGT site and found out what you told me. Apparently, it goes to the count up mode if delay is not set. Visit digitalgametechnology.com/site/i … egory.html to see the DGT manuals.
I wish that clock makers would give info on stuff like what the display looks like when a time forfeit occurs.
It seems peculiar (as does everything else about this clock) that the count-up feature is available only when the delay is not set.
Apparently the clock was designed in the 4th edition days, when a halt-at-end feature was described as “highly desirable”.
On the other side of the coin, the count-up feature at least makes it possible to reconstruct total elapsed time. This could be useful if, for example, the players accidentally set the time control for 1 hour in a 2-hour tournament, and do not notice their error until both clocks have expired and several additional minutes have elapsed.
A better idea, though, would be to have two digital displays on each side of the clock. The main display (in large digits) could display the time remaining, as usual. The second display (in tiny digits, say 1/8 inch high, at the bottom of the display) could count up from the beginning of the game, thus showing total elapsed time. This second display could continue to count up even after a time forfeit, when the main display has frozen at 0:00:00.
A valid point…if you can fit a master quartz into your back pocket then you’ve had a few too many cupcakes.
I approached it this way: the LCD screens were difficult to read at 2’ distant when I handled the clock at the US Open, so it’s inadequate at best for a serious game. I agree with your comment on not using it for blitz…so…the only thing it has going for it is size and that it generates a 960 position. But my Chronos can do that, or my oppononent and I by drawing pieces out of a bag. Then again, I’ve never played a 960 game against a human component, so there is little reason for a clock to perform this function for me. Now add the dubious position regarding USCF / FIDE standards. So the only differentiator is size, or color if you’re a Tennesee Vols or Miami Dolphins fan.
It’ll make some money for DGT now that sensory board sales have slowed down (ie a good business decision even if the product only offers what is already out in the market).
On a different flavor of the topic…“count up” features are kind of nice…think about it…our old analogs continue to “count up”…it allows for a clear determination of a win on time without unduly notifying either player of time running out. No lights, no beeps, no controversies.
And the Chronos can do that, too. Try mode DL-UP. You can even set the starting time at 4:00:00 (for a 2-hour game) so that it will expire at 6:00:00, just like an analog. You can still have your 5-second delay in that mode, too.
