How to play Stop the Timer
The basic game
A target time is shown — say 7.42 seconds. Press Start and the clock begins, but the display goes dark immediately. Count in your head and press Stop when you believe the target has passed. Your time and your error are revealed instantly.
Scoring
In multiplayer, the player closest to the target wins the round and scores 1 point. Stop exactly on the target (to the hundredth, like 5.00) with the bonus enabled and the round is worth 2 points. Play a set number of rounds — 3, 5 or 7 — and the scoreboard crowns the overall winner.
The modes
- Target — the classic, solo or pass-and-play with up to 12 players.
- Guess the Time — the runner hides a duration; everyone estimates it.
- Online · Friends — send a link; friends join on their own phones and you take turns on the same target, with points like pass-and-play.
- Solo practice — choose a hidden or visible clock and chase your personal best.
Keyboard players: Space or Enter presses the main button. Ready? Play now or steal some tips first.
Ready to test yourself? Play Stop the Timer free — no sign-up needed.
All Game Modes Explained
Stop the Timer has several modes. The rules below apply to all of them — only the target and the number of players change.
Solo Modes
10 Second Challenge — A fixed 10.00-second target every round. The simplest mode to start with.
5 Second Challenge — Fixed 5.00-second target. Shorter but proportionally harder.
3 Second Challenge — Fixed 3.00-second target. The tightest margins on the site.
Random Timer Challenge — A different random target every round drawn from a range you choose.
Custom Timer Challenge — You set the minimum and maximum; the game picks within that range.
Stopwatch Challenge — Same mechanic, framed as a hidden stopwatch.
Time Stop Game — A random-target version with emphasis on the time-estimation skill.
Multiplayer Modes
Pass & Play — Local multiplayer on one device. 2–12 players take turns; the device passes between players.
Challenge a Friend — Online multiplayer across devices. Share a code, everyone joins, take turns on the same target.
Guess the Time — One player runs the clock, everyone else guesses how long it ran. The closest guess wins the round.
Scoring Reference
| Verdict | Distance from target | Points (multiplayer) |
|---|
| PERFECT ★★★ | 0.00–0.05 seconds | 2 pts (with bonus) / 1 pt |
| SO CLOSE ★★ | 0.06–0.20 seconds | 1 pt (if closest) |
| NOT BAD ★ | 0.21–0.50 seconds | 1 pt (if closest) |
| WAY OFF | over 0.50 seconds | 0 pts |
In multiplayer, only the closest player(s) in a round earn a point. In solo mode, the verdict is just for your own reference — there are no accumulated points across solo rounds unless you start a solo round series.
How to Play FAQ
Does the clock always hide immediately?
In multiplayer, yes — the clock goes dark the instant you press Start. In solo practice, you can configure it to stay visible for the first second or two to help calibrate your counting pace.
What does the exact-hit bonus do?
When turned on, stopping the timer at exactly the target time (e.g., 10.00 when the target is 10.00) earns 2 points instead of 1 in multiplayer. It incentivises zero-error stops rather than just being "close enough."
Can I play with a keyboard?
Yes. On any desktop or laptop, Space or Enter both work as the Start/Stop button — you don't have to use the mouse. On mobile, tap the large button on screen.
How do I share the rules with someone new?
Send them this page: stoptimergame.com/how-to-play/. It covers everything, and the game is one click away from any page.