One of the great features we have on the Uckers.com app is the ability to chose a particular timer for you game. We have a selection of three types, all of which have selectable durations. In this blog, we let you know the differences between them to help you choose which one might be appropriate for you.
TURN TIMER
Our Turn Timer limits the amount of time you have to complete your turn and it resets when you click on the green tick icon on the play screen. There are three options in this timer - 1, 2 or 3 minutes.
As your turn might be protracted if you throw sixes, you are automatically given a few seconds more each time you throw a six.
If a player's time runs down to zero, they lose on a timing default.
Our league and tournament games will use the 2 minute turn timer as a mandatory setting.
Choose this when you want a fast-paced game where the pressure is on for each turn (1 minute) or ease it up a little with the 2 and 3 minute selections.
CHESS TIMER
If you are familiar with club chess, you'll get this one straight away. Here you select the total amount of time each player is allowed for their moves. There are five options available - 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 minutes.
If a player's time runs down to zero, they lose on a timing default.
This is a great variant and can really add excitement and pressure to the game, forcing players to move quickly, especially when the clock has little time left. For many experienced players or those used to playing time-restricted chess, this will be a preferred option.
For us, it is the best way to play the game!
GAME TIMER
Available in our Pro version, this restricts the time played for the whole game. If the time runs out, the fastest player - as calculated by the average time taken to complete a move - takes the honours.
Five selectable options - 1 and 12 hours and 1, 7 and 30 days.
Choose this for a more relaxed game (though there are times that 1 hour just isn't enough!) or for 'correspondence play' where you are looking to make a move and then move away from the app. Great for playing others who live in different time zones or who have challenging daily schedules and who can't complete a game in one sitting.
SUMMARY
If you're looking for a similar game to those you might have played in the board version where there are no time pressures, you may want to choose the Game Timer.
To turn the heat up, look to the Turn Timer - the 1-minute one will cover your leisurely moves most of the time, but will provide a challenge if you are six throwing or if you have the 'roll again on a double' rule selected.
However, if you are competitive and love fast-paced games, you should look to the chess timer. There is a reason why it is so popular in chess!
Whatever you choose, we hope that you enjoy this feature and that it makes your games even more enjoyable.
If you have any views or comments about the timers, we'd love to hear from you.
Paul
Co-founder
