Download Your FREE Chess Clock App
Play Store (Android)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chess.clock&hl=en_CA
App Store (iPhone)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/chess-clock-by-chess-com/id858039162
Website: https://chessclock.org/
Ready to Play Puzzle Chess?
What is Puzzle Chess?
Puzzle Chess is an exciting way to turn any puzzle into a head-to-head game. At first, players will work together to build the frame of the puzzle. Then, they'll set a timer (best method is a chess timer - and there are free apps). After that - the race is on! Players take turns connecting one piece at a time until the puzzle is complete. The player with the most time on their clock wins!
How do I play?
(Instructions using a free chess clock timer app)
Set up:
- Empty all pieces onto the table.
- Sort edge pieces from inside pieces.
- Work together to build the frame.
- Flip over the inside pieces (image side up), making sure both players can reach them.
- Set your timer: 5 minutes for a competitive game, or 15–20 minutes for a more relaxed pace.
- Decide who goes first by flipping a puzzle piece. Call “image” or “back” (like heads or tails).
- Whoever wins the toss can decide to go first or second.
Start the game (and timer):
- Player 2 will tap their own side of the clock to start Player 1's timer.
- Player 1 must connect a piece to the frame.
- After placing a piece, players tap their own side of the clock to start the other player's timer.
- Continue taking turns until the final piece is placed.
To Win:
- The player with the most time remaining on the clock wins.
- If a player runs out of time, they lose the game.
Note:
- Pieces inside the frame must connect - no free standing pieces
- You can only touch one piece at a time
About the Chess Clock
To get the free clock:
Visit your app store and search for "Chess Clock". The one we use is "Chess Clock by Chess.com". It's a free app.
- Android app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chess.clock&hl=en_CA
- Apple app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/chess-clock-by-chess-com/id858039162
To start the clock (reference image):
- To begin the game, Player 1 confirms they are ready.
- Then, Player 2 will tap the Player 2 side of the clock (their own side) and this starts the clock for Player 1.
- The Player 1 side will turn green and the clock will begin counting down.
- Player 1 connects a piece, then taps their side of the clock (it will be green).
- Now, Player 2 goes. When Player 2 places a piece, they tap their side of the clock to stop their time, which starts the clock for Player 1, and so on.
The winner or loser:
- The Player with the most time left on their clock is the winner since they used the least amount of time to complete the puzzle.
- If a player runs out of time, then they immediately lose the game.
Additional note: We say "green" because that is the default colour, however the colours may be changed in the settings.
Links to Download Free Chess Clock & Alternative Options
Here are a few free and popular options:
- Website: https://chessclock.org/
- Android app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chess.clock&hl=en_CA
- Apple app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/chess-clock-by-chess-com/id858039162
Don't want to download an app?
If each player has a device with a timer option, they can set their own timer to the same time ie 20 minutes. Confirm each player has the same amount of time set on their timer. The first player will start their timer and place a piece. After placing their piece, they will press pause on their own timer. The next player will then press start on their timer, place a piece, then press pause on their own timer. Keep repeating until the last piece is placed. Compare the time remaining on both timers - the person with the most time on their clock wins!
How much time should I set on the clock?
The amount of time set can vary based on the goal of your game and/or age and skill level. It also varies based on the piece count. For Cobble Hill's 100 Piece Puzzle Chess games, here are suggested times:
Super competitive play = 5 minutes
Casual-competitive = 15 minutes
Just hanging out = 30 minutes (recommended for kids new to puzzling)
If a player runs out of time on their clock they automatically lose. So, if you want to declare a winner by time remaining, set the clock for a little longer than you think you need. Because remember, it's whoever has the most time left on their side of the clock who wins. So, when playing for fun with friends, it doesn't really matter how much time you put on the clock to start as long as each player starts with the same amount of time.
Tips for Parents!
- To help kids have a fun first experience with Puzzle Chess, start with more time than you think you’ll need. The goal at first is confidence and excitement, not pressure.
- A great way to estimate a good starting time is to first let your child build the puzzle on their own without the chess clock. Many families find it easiest to begin by building the frame first, then timing how long it takes to complete the inside pieces. Once you know roughly how long that takes, you can use that number as a guide when setting the clock for future games.
- For example:
If the inside takes about 12 minutes to finish, try setting each player’s clock for 15 to 20 minutes.
As players improve, shorten the time to make games faster and more competitive. - You can also adjust the experience by giving younger players extra time (you can set different clock times for each player to help balance skill levels).
- Playing in teams! Try 2 vs 2 by having teammates alternate turns. Adults vs Kids or pair younger and older children - mix it up !
Puzzle Chess is meant to grow with the player. Some families love the fast-paced challenge, while others enjoy a casual gaming experience and friendly competition. Whatever you choose, we hope you have fun with it!
