Since the new rules require that, if there is a clock available that allows the clocks to continue running, that should be used. Otherwise, those clocks won't work that way but should still be able be used and any clocks that do support it would still use that rule.
Thanks, Martin_Stahl,
You are right and it's known recommendation to use equipment with closest functionalities in case if fully compatible equipment is not available.
But "Blitz rule 2a" is very important and it's one of key's differences between FIDE and USCF rules.
If clocks continue running on both sides and both flags fall it's a draw (by USCF definition), but if clocks stop running if first flag falls it means one of player lost a game.
There are another differences between FIDE and USCF rules for Blitz games, like:
1) if player left pawn on last rank and press a clock is an illegal move by FIDE rules but it's only improper move by USCF rules;
2) when choice of piece is final during promotion move;
etc.
If organizers of tournament provide the same standard timers (ex. DGT NA) for all players and this model of timer supports FIDE incremental mode only the players could say we thought the tournament is under FIDE rules.
And it could produce conflict situations.
Unless the tourney is FIDE rated then players should realize it is under USCF rules. Of course, I doubt many players know that rule anyway.
If time has run out on both clocks , is it a draw or does the first person to call it get to claim the win on time ?
@pmorphy23 it is a draw if time runs out for both. If time runs out for your opponent you can pause clock and claim win with TD.....this is under USCF.
I'm pretty sure FIDE has where the clock stops completely if one side runs out of time. But I'm not as familiar with the nuances of FIDE.
The USCF rules (U.S. Chess Federation's Official Rules of Chess, Edited by Tim Just, 6th Edition) says:
Page 309, Standard timer for Blitz chess:
"2a. whatever timer is used (analog or digital), a standard timer must continue to run for both sides even if one side's time has expired."
3 min +2" (increment mode) is very popular time control for Blitz games.
There are only few models (ex.: DGT 3000, Chronos GX and some others) of chess timers could follow 2a rule for game with incremental time control.
Many of chess timers (including very popular in the USA model "DGT North America") with incremental mode (Fisher mode) implements this mode following FIDE regulations: to stop both sides of clock in case if any flag falls in last period with incremental mode.
The DGT NA chess clocks are used in many Blitz tournaments in the USA and this model is recommended by many TDs for Blitz tournaments.
Should TD inform players before first round that Blitz rule 2a is not required for given tournament?