Talking chess clock

A talking chess clock provides through audio the information other players read on a time display. It is designed mainly for blind and visually impaired players and can report, after a control is pressed, how much time each player has left.

The FIDE Laws admit specially constructed clocks for visually disabled players and state that they should be able to announce the time and number of moves. Particular models may add tactile or Braille-marked buttons, using the raised-dot reading system, as well as volume controls and separate earphones so the information remains private and does not distract the opponent.

Talking does not mean that the device analyzes the position or recommends moves. Its role is to communicate clock data. It also does not necessarily announce moves on the board; that task may belong to the players or an assistant, an authorized person who helps with specified operations, under the applicable accessibility rules.

The essential operation remains that of a normal chessclock: after moving, the player must press the clock to stop their own time and start the opponent's, subject to any adaptation authorized by the arbiter.