What is a timebank?
The timebank is a time control that is used in addition to the timeout time control. It is designed to make games quicker by allowing you to select a shorter timeout period that you may otherwise feel comfortable with. The timebank is a bank of reserve time that can be dipped into throughout the game. Unlike the timeout period which gets reset after each move, the timebank period never gets restored. Why bother with an extra time control? Your preferred timeout period may be three days but you fear that you may be unexpectedly unable to move at some point so you choose a seven day timeout. With the timebank option, you can choose a three day timeout and still have some emergency cover for these occassional delays. A well chosen combination of timeout and timebank periods can make games move at the pace that suits you best. Timebank Details Each game has a timeout period, specified in days. If you do not move within this period you will start eating into your timebank period.
A TimeBank is a network of people who exchange services with one another, wherein the “currency” of exchange is time. Members earn “time dollars” (TD$) for time spent helping others, which they can spend on getting services for themselves. One hour of service equals one TD$. For example, one person may provide two hours of painting in exchange for one member’s hour of childcare and another member’s hour of yard work. TimeBanking connects people and unmet needs with untapped resources by enabling individuals to use their everyday skills to benefit a network of people.
