Slow down the decision

Before each move, ask what information is certain, what is only possible and what consequence the move creates.

Use a repeatable strategy

Notice whether the hour hand is before, on or after an hour number.

Practise o'clock and half past before moving to five-minute intervals.

  • Read the minute hand before checking the hour hand.
  • Use the clock numbers as groups of five minutes.

Recover from mistakes

A weak move does not always end the round. Reassess the board, protect the most important area and avoid compounding one mistake with another rushed decision.

What to avoid

Use these mistakes as a quick checklist before important moves.

  • Confusing the shorter hour hand with the longer minute hand.
  • Reading the hour number without noticing that the hand has moved towards the next hour.