Fischer clock

The Fischer clock, patented by Bobby Fischer in 1988, revolutionized chess timing by introducing a time increment after each move. This innovation, which adds a small amount of time (e.g., 10-15 seconds) for every move made, allows players to manage their time more effectively, especially in faster-paced games.1

Before the Fischer clock, chess timing relied on simpler mechanical and later digital clocks that simply started and stopped timers. The Fischer clock's increment system gained prominence after Fischer's 1992 match against Boris Spassky, and it has since become a standard in many tournaments, including the Melody Amber tournament, which features top grandmasters playing with this system. This advancement has made chess more engaging for spectators by ensuring games are completed within reasonable timeframes.21