Pausing a chess clock is not the same action as starting a new game. Use pause when play needs to stop temporarily and the players intend to continue with the same remaining time. Use reset when the game is over, abandoned, or both players have agreed to return to the chosen starting control. Keeping those actions separate avoids an argument about which time was on the clock.
Pause when the game must stop
The central control pauses a running clock and preserves the current position of play in the timer. Before pausing, say why the game is stopping: an interruption, a question for an organiser, or a short break. That makes it clear to both players that the remaining time is being held rather than changed.
When play is ready to continue, resume deliberately and verify which player was active. Do not use a player panel as a substitute for pause, because tapping a side changes the active clock. If you are new to the basic flow, the 1Chess Clock getting-started guide walks through the normal hand-over after each move.
Reset only after confirming the decision
The reset action returns the clock to the selected time-control settings. Because that removes the time accumulated during the current game, the app asks for confirmation once the game has moved beyond its initial state. Take that prompt seriously: it is the last moment to cancel if the players only meant to pause.
After a reset, check the display before beginning another game. The time control should be the one you agreed for the next game, not necessarily the one used in the previous one. If the format is changing, go to Game settings first and follow the time-control setup guide.
Keep the rule clear for clubs and practice
For casual games, agree in advance who may pause and how an accidental tap is handled. In a club or tournament setting, follow the organiser’s rules; the app provides the timer controls but does not replace event regulations. A simple routine works well: announce the pause, use the central control, settle the interruption, confirm the active player, and resume.
This routine is especially important with increment or delay, because the time shown may reflect the current turn rule. If your game uses a refund-style delay, review how to set Bronstein delay before the game rather than changing settings during an interruption.