The Best Chess Set & Clock For Blitz and Rapid Games

For the faster time controls, not all chess clocks and sets are made equal. Everything from piece weight to clock displays affects the play of a blitz or rapid chess game.

In this guide, you can discover the very best sets and clocks for quick games and what you should think about before you buy.

Fast Time Control Over-the-Board

Fast time controls in chess require a unique skillset, especially when playing over-the-board, in-person games. Part of that is how you make use of your chess set and clock. 

Rapid

Rapid chess refers to games with between 10 and 60 minutes for each player, with various increments. A common example is 10 | 10, meaning 10 minutes per player, plus a 10-second increment after every move.

These games are like the middle ground between speed chess and classical time controls. They still allow for in-depth calculation, but require rapid scanning, visualization, and positional understanding. Sometimes, rapid games require very fast play, and sometimes not. Whatever the game, the best equipment for the time control is durable and easy to use.

Blitz

Blitz is the next time control down from Rapid, the second fastest after Bullet Chess. Here, the chess really speeds up, and the game changes significantly. Players have between 10 and 3 minutes each in Blitz time controls. A common format is 3 | 1; that is, 3 minutes each with a 1-second increment.

All your chess skills still apply in blitz, but there is much less time for calculation. Often, you have to rely on your intuitive understanding of a position. It requires stable and strong chess pieces, boards, and clocks that are comfortable to quickly maneuver and stay on their squares when placed.

Chess Set Considerations

There are a few things to consider when buying a chess set with faster time controls in mind. 

• Size. Picking the right dimensions is important for a good chess set. Smaller pieces and boards are more difficult to move quickly. It would be next to impossible to play blitz on a miniature travel set. As such, picking a set close to tournament regulation size is usually a good idea.

• Piece adherence. Some chess pieces adhere to the board through magnetism, clip mechanisms, or special materials. This can somewhat slow down the picking up and positioning of pieces on the board, making them less effective for speed chess. However, very slight adherence can keep the pieces in place without slowing movement.

• Piece weight and design. Seasoned chess players tend to have a preference for a specific weighting on chess pieces that feels natural to them. For fast time controls, heavier pieces tend to be better because they don’t fall over or move as easily. Naturally, it is best to avoid overly complex or fragile piece designs. Standard chess pieces in wood or plastic are usually the best option.

• Board material. Chessboards are made from high-quality woods, vinyl, silicone, plastic, and a wide range of unusual materials. For regular blitz or rapid games, you want a durable board that allows the pieces to move easily. There are feasible options in every material, but the most common choices are silicone, wood, and vinyl.

Chess Clock Considerations

Like the boards and pieces, chess clocks for rapid and blitz play need to withstand fast-paced play. Here’s what you should consider:

• Programmability. Faster time controls can often be programmed with presets on digital chess clocks. Mechanical versions can be a bit more difficult to set and often don’t allow for increments. 

• Display. For blitz games, you often need very precise timers clearly showing the remaining time, with any relevant settings or increments easy to identify. 

• Buttons. The buttons need to be durable to withstand heavy tapping, easy to press, and precisely effective (immediately switching the timer). Chess clocks with easily replaceable buttons are a popular choice for fast time controls. 

Top Picks: Chess Sets For Blitz and Rapid

With the above criteria in mind, here are my selections for chess sets. Any of these options would be an excellent set for rapid and blitz chess games. Many are common fixtures at chess clubs and tournaments. 

Silicone Chess Board and Triple-Weighted Plastic Pieces

My top pick for the best blitz and rapid chess set is a simple silicone board with triple-weighted plastic pieces. This is the optimal combination of affordability, durability, and comfort of use. 

Both silicone and vinyl last well, but the latter is more likely to crease. Plastic pieces also adhere very slightly to silicone, meaning they are less likely to drift from their square, which is common in blitz. 

Triple-weighted plastic pieces are the optimal choice for fast time controls. The weight is near the base of the piece, providing much greater stability. Blitz games can quickly become chaotic and frustrating when pieces keep falling over.

Overall, the silicone board and weighted plastic pieces are the best all-around choice. 

Vinyl Chessboard and Triple-Weighted Plastic Pieces 

The vinyl board is my second choice. It has many of the same perks as silicone, but is slightly cheaper. As I mentioned, it is more likely to crease, but if stacked instead of folded, it lasts very well. Additionally, you can purchase vinyl boards in packs of several at a very low price. 

The surface is somewhat slicker, but some people prefer this as the pieces tend to glide across the board. Compared to silicone, vinyl boards are slightly glossier and fractionally heavier. The choice between the two often comes down to preference.

Again, the triple-weight plastic pieces are the best choice. Even with a slightly smoother surface, the heaviness will keep the pieces grounded. 

Deluxe Tournament Combo

A hardwood chess set is a perfectly acceptable choice for fast time controls. Properly cared for, wood chessboards and pieces can comfortably withstand aggressive play. 

With the Tournament Combos, you can select a quality wooden set and combine it with a storage bag and a chess clock of your choice. For example, take this folding mahogany-and-maple chessboard with triple-weighted Staunton pieces. It is easily transportable and storable and well-suited to the fast pace of blitz and rapid. 

The ability to select your piece weight and chess clock also lets you customize the set to the best options for fast time controls. Overall, this is the best all-round wooden board set for blitz and rapid. 

The Championship Series Chess Set

The Championship Series Chess Set is the best high-quality, pricier option, still suitable for fast time controls. If you are looking for a luxurious board that is still excellent for blitz and rapid, this is the one. Used in chess tournaments worldwide, it is a great set for competitive play.

The wood and coating are highly durable, and the pieces are naturally heavy, making them stable and comfortable to use quickly. The Championship Series offers all the benefits of a beautiful personal chess set while remaining fully compatible with fast-paced competitive chess.

Top Picks: Chess Clocks For Blitz and Rapid

As we’ve seen, chess clocks for fast time controls need to be sturdy, programmable, and easy to use. Here are some picks to help you select an excellent option. 

Chronos GX Digital Game Clock

My pick is simply the most durable chess clock around. The metal casing is incredibly strong and lasting. The raised buttons with side ridges are easy to press quickly and can withstand heavy-handed use. You can easily buy replacement buttons either initially or later on. 

The Chronos GX also comes with a wide selection of time control pre-sets, including delays, increments, and 4 specific blitz options. 

If you are looking for a strong and lasting chess clock that’s easy to use, this is the one.

Tap N Set Digital Chess Clock

While less durable than the Chronos, Tap N Set chess clocks are extremely easy to use with a wide variety of time controls. They are controlled via a connected app, which allows them to be preset extremely easily with plenty of settings. They also have the option to be set normally, without a smartphone, so you don’t have to worry about running out of battery.

It is an affordable option, and the raised buttons, similar to the Chronos, are also great for quick pressing. Overall, it is a strong choice for rapid and blitz. 

DGT North American Digital Chess Clock

DGT chess clocks are the most popular for a reason. They are the common choice for tournaments, easy to program, and can handle a lot of wear and tear. The DGT North American Digital Chess Clock is in the middle of the price range, but it offers everything you need for a blitz game (unlike the 1001 and 1002, which don’t support increments).

This DGT has 30 preset options, a clear and detailed display, responsive buttons, and many useful additional features. It is an excellent all-rounder for chess clubs, tournaments, and casual players.

DGT 3000 Digital Chess Clock

If you are happy to spend a bit more money, the DGT 3000 has everything you need and more. It has plenty of presets and the option to create 5 of your own custom settings. It can connect to DGT electronic chess boards and features an extra-large display that always shows the seconds, even during longer time controls. 

As an extra bonus for blitz and rapid, it comes with a 5-year warranty. So, within reasonable use, you don’t need to worry about it suddenly breaking. This is the best-priced option for fast games.

 

Your Pick?

Hopefully, this list has given you a good idea of some strong choices for blitz and rapid chess sets and clocks.

As a final bit of advice, I recommend always focusing on stability and durability. Even if it means spending a little more. The difference in triple-weighted pieces is huge, and a quality chess clock can last much longer than a cheaper option. Playing with quality equipment simply makes the game better.