The document provides a history of the development of DGT chess clocks from 1985 to 2011, summarizing the introduction of various clock models over time. Some of the key clocks discussed include the DGT FIDE clock from 1994, which was the first digital clock to fully conform with FIDE laws of chess, the DGT 2000 from 1998 which was the best selling digital chess clock, and the DGT 2010 from 2007 which received the official FIDE chess clock status. The document highlights the improvements and new features incorporated into each new clock model as DGT evolved their product line to meet the needs of chess players and tournaments over decades.

1. DGT Evolution
By: GmXian Xavier

2. DGT Evolution
The DGT 960 in new colors black and red is
available from April 2013. This model will
gradually replace the original white/orange DGT
960 version.
It has been a solid choice for players wanting an
ultra-compact clock with a wide variety of
features including international FIDE standards.

3. 1985: The first DGT
In 1992, DGT clock was built in by Vasse
The first Bulsink was contacted thechess
With a mutual friend, Paul Arentz, midteacherBen investigated thetime, he was
'80s Bulsink Bulsink. AtAlbertoptionswho a
and by and organizer that Vasse, for
would become DGTelectronic manager of
student at the Technical University Twente
mass producing an Projects' chess clock.
marketing and sales.
in Enschede,left the company. After he is
Arentz later the Netherlands; now the
In the book of the first Melody the Melody
R&D manager of DGT Projects. Amber
positive reaction to the DGT at
tournament, Vasse read that the met with
The clock was reviewed by the magazine of
Amber tournament, the partners
tournament's sponsor, Joop who
the Dutch of the Federation, van called it
board Chess World Chess Federation
Oosterom, wantedtheuse the Fischer
"the perfectwas at clock." There was one
(FIDE). This chess to start of the 1993
timingchampionship next tournament.
problem, however: The clock was
world system in the match between
Vasse and Bulsink offered to build the
handmade, andand Jan Timman. Two
Anatoly Karpov much too expensive for
clocks for thatat the FIDE After only about
the average chess player. General got the
months later, tournament. They Assembly
job. these clocks were made, Bulsink
60Curitiba, Brazil, awarded a three year
in of
moved on to a job at the to produce "the
contract to DGT Projects university.
official FIDE chess clock."

4. 1994: The DGT Fide Clock
One example isintroduced in 1994, many DGT only easy to
• Since it was the large lever on top. It's not FIDE Chess
hit Clocks have been sold around the world.it clearly was
in blitz or time-scramble situations, but The clock
shows which player's turn withto move - from up to 20
created in cooperation it is the World Chess
meters away. (FIDE), and is the only digital clock that fully
Federation
conforms with the FIDE Laws of Chess.
The DGT Fide clock haswastiming systems suitedto be
• The DGT FIDE clock 12 the first digital clock for chess
and many other games like xiangqi (chinese
widely scrabble®, the chess community, easy to
chess), go,accepted in checkers, etc. It is very although
attempts to introduce an electronic chess clock had
use, and electronically accurate. The DGT adds a new
been made since the '70s. The DGT clock was succesful
dimension of excitement to your game!
where others failed because it was developed from a
This model was replaced by the DGT 2000 in 1998.
chess player's point of view.

5. 1994: The DGT Plus Clock
The DGT Plus's buzzer option in also useful in chess. Since the
Plus was developed is 1994 in special cooperation with
introduction of the Fischer and FIDEfor use in the European Go
the European Go Federation (EGF), timing methods, players can
approach the time limit manyThe DGT Plus has the ability to
championship in Maastricht. times during a game. The buzzer
helps players make their movesof atime without requiring them
make a sound at the approach in time limit - a short buzz at 10,
to 4, 3 or 2 seconds and take their concentration away from last
5, look at the clock before 0.00, and a long buzz during the the
board.
second.
The World Chess Federation (FIDE) acknowledged the value of
Why did the EGF ask for this feature? The standard Go
this feature. FIDE's new Laws of Chess,has always required an
tournament timing method byo-yomi enacted by the General
Assembly in a stopwatchthatstand by thesignal isnear the end of
arbiter with 1996, state to an audible board allowed at the
approach of the time limit. game's last seconds. This allows the
the game and announce the
player to keep replaced by the the XL and not manufactured
The DGT Plus isconcentrating on DGT board, rather than watching
the clock
anymore. (i.e., a standard chess clock). The DGT Plus makes this
manual announcement unnecessary.

6. 1996: The DGT Topmatch Clock
The DGT TopMatch Clock is
similar to the famous DGT
FIDE chess clock, with an
added serial interface that
allows it to connect to the
DGT electronic Chessboard.
This model is replaced by the
DGT XL and not manufactured
anymore.

7. 1998: The DGT 2000 Clock
The DGT 2000 introduced several
minor improvements over the DGT
Fide model, including more clear
and robust displays.
As proven top-quality product, it is
still used in many tournaments all
over the world. The DGT 2000 was
the best selling digital chess clock
ever with over 250.000 clocks sold
world wide. It was replaced by the
DGT 2010 and is no longer
produced.

8. 2001: The DGT DigiBlitz Clock
Especially for personal use, DGT
Projects developed the DigiBlitz.
With large displays, an optional
buzzer, count down and count up
timing methods, this model offers
much for a low price. Not
manufactured anymore, now we
offer the DGT Easy Game Timer.

9. 2003: The DGT XL Clock
The DGT XL, was introduced during the
Dutch Team Playoffs in 2003. It is based
on ten years of experience in the chess
market. The clock has extra large
displays, an option to display messages
(great for internet chess), more timing
methods, including an upcount method
for use with Scrabble®, easier operation,
a buzzer and it connects to the DGT
electronic chess board too.

10. 2005: The DGT Easy and DGT Easy
Plus Clock
The DGT Easy and the DGT Easy Plus were
introduced in 2005. The Easy Plus includes the
possibility of delaying the countdown or adding
extra time with each move. The DGT Easy is thé
digital chess clock for everybody and for every
game. It combines high quality with absolute
simplicity and is player friendly. The DGT
Easy is ideally suited for chess clubs, schools and
home use.
In 2007 the DGT Easy clocks were redesigned in
new and sparkling colors!

11. 2007: The DGT 2010 Clock
The DGT 2010 was introduced in 2007 and received the status
of `official FIDE chess clock`in June 2008 after four top-level
arbiters conducted tests and concluded that the clock is in full
accordance with all FIDE rules and regulations.
The DGT 2010 is the successor of the DGT 2000.
An improved version of the DGT 2010 was released in October
2010.
To distinguish it from the previous model the new model has
blue buttons.

12. 2008: The DGT960 Foldable Clock
This game timer was developed as a handy
foldable pocketsize chess clock with a Chess960
randomizer to automatically generate Chess960
starting positions. Chess960 was introduced by
Bobby Fisher. In 2009 the Presidential Board of
the World Chess Federation FIDE accepted the
rules for Chess960 (or Fischer Random Chess) as
the only other variation of chess and included it
as an appendix to the Laws of Chess.

13. 2010: The DGT CUBE
A great new concept introducing
a game timer that can be used
with all boardgames, cardgames
or other games. The Cube has
six clocks, one on each side, for
a maximum of six players. Each
clock can be set with an
individual time for each player.
Options include gametimer and
movetimer settings.

14. 2011: The DGT Pyramid
The DGT Pyramid is a simpler
version of its big brother the
DGT Cube with only four
clocks, one on each side, for
a maximum of four players.

15. This handy pocket timer has the
idea of former World Chess
Champion Bobby DGT960 chess
Chess960 generator. Press the 960
The revolutionaryFischer has been
the most important improvement
button a great gadget chosen
clock is and a randomlyand the
in chess in item for any chess
Chess960 starting 500 years.
perfect giftthe lastposition will be
shown
player. on the display. Chess960 is
With Chess960 to play!
the only other form of must that
 The new wayplayers chess start
creative thinking from the first
is Generate random Chess960
 officially recognized by the
move Chess Federation about
Worldas any knowledge FIDE. the
starting positions
theory of chess openings is not
Every display for from a different
 Big game startseasy viewing
useless. and delay timing
position Chess960 brings many
 Bonusand the chess pieces are
chess lovers back to different
placed in one of 960 the chess
included
possible starting
board.
 Easy to set positions.

16. The Advantages Of Using Chess
Clocks

17. The Advantages Of Using Chess Clocks
Any tournament player will tell you that a good
chess clock is just as important as the board and
pieces. What constitutes a good chess clock can
often be the subject of heated debate. This is
because there a variety of designs and types of
chess clocks to choose from and everybody has
their personal preference.

18. Chess Clocks In Play
Chess clocks are the most using a reason
Many casual players used obviouschess clocks
Tournamentsare alsopreferto handicap games. If
one player chess clocks. Each player has
as well. Lightening stronger than their the
people use is much and blitz games are popular
opponent, heavily on chess clocks. In lightening
and rely onthey time to have 5 minutes to
same amount ofmay onlycomplete either a set
complete moves will have entire game. has
games thethe game for the between 1 and 3 15
number of players orwhile their opponent If one
or 20 runs out
minutes each to complete the game. game. It
playerminutes. of time, they lose the Blitz usesis
time controls ensure the players have per side.
a good way tobetween 3 to 10 minutesa fair
game.

19. Chess Clocks As Training Tools
Chess clocks have been around for years ensure
Many instructors use chess clocks to helpand are
as important a part of the game as the pieces
pupils have memorized various opening lines. By
themselves. you haven’t on the opening
putting strictIftime controls played chess on the
clock, you are missing out on easily the most
sequence of moves, they can one ofdetermine
exhilarating aspects of the game.
how efficiently a student has mastered an
opening. The same methods are also employed
in end games to evaluate how well the student
understands various principles.