Default time in chess — definition and usage

Default time

Definition

In tournament chess, default time (also called the “forfeit time”) is the maximum amount of time a player may be late to the board after the official start of the round before they lose the game by forfeit. Under current FIDE Laws of Chess, the default time is 0 minutes unless the event regulations specify a different value. Many national federations and organizers set a positive default time (e.g., 15, 30, or 60 minutes).

How it is used in chess

Default time is an administrative timing rule separate from the playing time control. It is enforced by the Arbiter or TD:

• Round starts are announced; clocks are started. If a player is not at the board when their default time expires, they lose by forfeit (often recorded as 0–1 or 1–0 with no moves).
• “Zero tolerance” is the strictest form: default time = 0 minutes, meaning players must be seated at the exact start signal.
• Default time does not depend on the time control, Increment, or Delay; it only governs lateness before any move is made.
• If both players are late past the default time, both can be forfeited; some events instead avoid double forfeits by re-pairing or special rulings in the event regulations.
• In team or scholastic events, practical exceptions (e.g., delayed buses) are sometimes handled by the arbiter/TD per the regulations.

Strategic and practical significance

While default time is not a chess strategy concept, it has serious practical impact on results and standings:

• Punctuality is part of competitive discipline—avoid an avoidable 0–1.
• Knowing the event’s default time helps you plan warm‑up, restroom breaks, and board location in large halls.
• In knockout or playoff formats (including Armageddon), missing the default time eliminates you regardless of playing strength.
• Arriving early can reduce Time trouble later by ensuring you start calm and organized (scoresheet, pen, water, etc.).

Examples

• Local Swiss example: Round begins at 10:00 with a 30‑minute default time. If White arrives at 10:28, the game proceeds normally; if they arrive at 10:31, they lose by forfeit.
• Zero tolerance example: Round starts at 15:00 with default time = 0. Black sits down at 15:00:45—too late—and is defaulted immediately, even though their clock may show almost full time remaining.
• Difference from Flag-fall: If both players start and later one’s clock runs out, that is a “loss on time” during play (flag-fall), not a default. Default time applies before the game effectively begins.

Visual: starting position (no moves yet)—if the absent side’s default time expires, the game is awarded to the opponent.

History and anecdotes

The push for stricter punctuality peaked when some elite events briefly enforced zero tolerance at the start of rounds (notably late 2000s), leading to a few high‑profile forfeits when players arrived seconds late. After significant debate, many organizers returned to more flexible policies (e.g., 15 or 30 minutes), while retaining the option to set zero tolerance for televised or tightly scheduled events. The modern norm: the regulations must clearly state the default time in advance.

Online chess context

In online play, platforms often have a short “start window” to make the first move; missing it can cause an automatic forfeit (sometimes called an “auto‑flag” or “no‑show” loss). Some sites also “abort” very early games without a rating change if no moves are made. While the mechanics differ from OTB, the spirit is similar: be ready to start on time to avoid an administrative loss.

Common misunderstandings

• “Default time is the same as increment/delay.” False—increment/delay affects move‑to‑move timing after the game starts; default time governs pre‑game lateness.
• “If my opponent is late, I can start their clock whenever I like.” The arbiter/TD controls the start signal; follow event procedures.
• “Being late in an Armageddon doesn’t matter.” It matters even more—missing default time can end the match instantly.

Tips for players

• Read the event’s regulations and confirm the default time at the player meeting or on the wall chart.
• Arrive early, especially in unfamiliar venues or large halls where finding your board takes time.
• If you expect a delay (transport issues, pairing confusion), notify the TD/Arbiter as early as possible.
• For double‑round days, build in buffer time between rounds; default losses are demoralizing and avoidable.

Related terms

• Zero tolerance
• Flag and Flag-fall
• Loss on time
• Increment and Delay (including Bronstein and Fischer systems)
• Arbiter / TD
• Swiss and Round robin formats
• Armageddon playoff
• Forfeit

FAQ

• What is the FIDE default time? By default it is 0 minutes unless the tournament regulations specify otherwise. Most events explicitly set a positive default time (e.g., 15–30 minutes).
• Does increment or delay affect default time? No. They affect in‑game timing, not pre‑game lateness.
• What if both players are late? Event regulations apply; both can be forfeited at the default time, or the arbiter may re‑pair/adjust according to the rules posted.
• Is a default the same as a time‑forfeit after the game begins? No. A default happens before effective play; a time‑forfeit (flag‑fall) happens during play.
• Can arbiters make exceptions? Only as allowed by the published regulations (e.g., documented transport issues). Always check the event’s specific rules.

Quick comparison: default vs. flag-fall

• Default time: Pre‑game punctuality rule (administrative). Penalty = immediate loss without moves.
• Flag‑fall: In‑game time‑forfeit. The position on the board and mating material rules apply.