Junior club - Using the clock

This week the children played games using a chess clock.

A standard chess clock.


After each move the player presses his clock.  This stops your clock, but starts your opponent's.  If a player uses more than the agreed time limit he has lost.  As the time limit approaches the flag at the top of the clock lifts and when the limit is exceeded falls.


Almost all chess competitions use clocks.  A chess clock is a simple and effective way of ensuring all games are completed in a timely fashion.


The clock's are easy to use, it's just about getting into the habit of pressing the clock after your move.  Some of the children seemed to be a bit nervous of the clock, but they soon realised they had plenty of time and soon became accustomed to the routine of move press.


We started using the clocks this week as several of the children are playing their first competition at the Durham junior chess competition.  Details follow:-

Belmont C of E Junior School

Buckinghamshire Road, Belmont, Durham DH12QP

Saturday 21st May 2011, 1.30 – 5.00 p.m.

·    Open to any juniors attending school or living in the former Durham County (which apart from Durham includes Darlington, Hartlepool, Stockton, Gateshead, Sunderland and South Tyneside).

·        Five age groups:

under-9, under-11, under-13, under-15 and under-18

(ages on 1st September 2010).

·        The winner of each section will receive a trophy, and there will also be a trophy for the best score by a girl aged under 15.

·        Entry fee £4 per player (cheques to 'Durham County Chess Association').

Please give name, date of birth, telephone and/or email, age group you wish to enter, and name of school.

Group entries from schools are welcome.

·        Light refreshments will be on sale, but feel free to bring your own.

·        Entries to:

Ken Neat, 9 Ullerdale Close, Belmont, Durham DH1 2TU

(Tel. 0191-3864795; email: junior@dcca.org.uk).