What are chess timers for?

Answer 1

A Chess timer or time clock is a device with two timing clocks side by side, one for each player. There is a button or plunger on the top of each timer. When one of the buttons or plungers is pressed, that timer stops running and automatically starts the other timer running. Depending on the situation or agreement between the players, the time period may vary. Its purpose is to either force players to make a minimum number of moves within a particular period of time or to make any type of move before the time runs out while it is that player's move. In official tournament matches the clocks are set for two and a half hours each with the requirement that each player must make at least 40 moves within that time. After that time, the game may go on with no further time restraints. In non-official games, the players may agree to any time period as they choose. For example, a "Blitz" game is usually 5 minutes long, but the purpose of the time period is not to force a certain number of moves within that time. A Blitz game is a kind of Musical Chairs on the chess board. If a player's time runs out while it is his/her move, that player loses. In informal games, the players may agree on any period of time. Many players love Blitz games for the rush of action that occurs as each player moves pieces almost by instinct rather than carefully thought out strategies There simply is no time for too much thought. There are two types of clocks. One is where the clock simply stops when the player presses the button/plunger. The other type is where the clock stops but backs up about 3 seconds. This is to compensate for the time it takes the player to move his/her hand from the moved piece over to the timer to stop his/her clock.

Answer 2

To keep track of how long the game went so games wont last forever and its another way players can win if their opponent runs out of time.

The purpose of the Game Clock is to keep track of the total time each player takes for his or her own moves, and ensure that neither player overly delays the game .