Rules & tips
How to play Tap Timer
One rule: stop the hidden clock as close to the goal time as you can.
The basics
- Choose a goal time. 5.00 seconds is the classic.
- Tap once to start. The clock keeps running, but you can't see it.
- Tap again when you think the goal time has passed.
- Your real time is revealed. The smaller the gap, the better.
Game modes
Goal Challenge Web + App
Set a goal and pass the phone around. Each player takes a blind turn, and the game ranks everyone by how close they got. Play it free in your browser.
Tournament App
Head-to-head brackets with shuffled seeding and automatic byes for odd numbers. Good for game nights, classrooms and office parties.
Teams App
Split the group into teams. Each team's score is the average of its players, so everyone's tap counts.
Tips for getting closer
- Count in half-seconds. "One-and-two-and…" gives you twice as many checkpoints as "one, two…".
- Use a beat. Songs around 120 BPM have two beats per second. Tap along in your head.
- Relax your finger. Your reaction time is part of the result. Keep your thumb resting just above the screen.
- Don't rush the start. Most people start counting late, then stop early to make up for it.
What counts as a good score?
| Off by | Rating |
|---|---|
| 0.00s | Perfect |
| ≤ 0.05s | Incredible |
| ≤ 0.10s | Sharp |
| ≤ 0.25s | Close |
| ≤ 0.50s | Not bad |
| ≤ 1.00s | Warm |
| > 1.00s | Way off |