ChessWorld.net - Play Online Chess
ChessWorld.net, founded in 2000, is an online chess site. Play relaxed, friendly correspondence-style chess at your own pace.
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📩 Correspondence Chess (Turn-Based) on ChessWorld.net

If you want the best way to play chess online without time pressure, correspondence chess is it. You can play turn-based (email-style) with days to think, enjoy higher-quality moves, and build a long-term chess habit — while competing worldwide.

ChessWorld.net focus: This site was built around correspondence chess. It’s designed for players who want a calmer, deeper, more meaningful chess experience — plus tournaments, teams, and lots of games running at once.

Quick index (20 reasons)

1) Play many games at once 4) Higher quality moves 3) Global opponents 13) More relaxing than blitz 14) Perfect for tournaments 15) Team consultation matches 10) Complements OTB chess 20) Easy to invite friends

Point 1: Ideal for playing multiple games at the same time

Play many correspondence chess games simultaneously

In correspondence chess you usually run several games in parallel, so you don’t “wait around” for a move. On ChessWorld, a simple way to do this is joining tournaments or teams. Many active members enjoy having many games ticking along — so every login brings new positions to solve.

Point 2: Play from anywhere

Play correspondence chess from anywhere

Play from home, at work (lunchtimes!), or on the move. Turn-based chess fits around real life — you don’t need opponents online at the same time.

Point 3: Find perfect opponents worldwide

Play opponents worldwide across any time zone

Because it’s correspondence chess, your opponents can be anywhere on the planet. This removes the “same time-zone” limitation of live chess. Invite players from the full member base — even friends or family who only move once a week (or once a month).

Point 4: Time to play quality moves (fewer blunders)

Time to think and play higher quality chess moves

Correspondence chess is where you can play your best chess. You can check candidate moves, explore plans, and avoid impulsive mistakes. This is one reason correspondence games are often very instructive — you learn faster.

Point 5: Time to look around other games

Stroll around and follow tournament and team games

In team and tournament play, you can follow other boards, enjoy the narratives, and learn from positions in progress. Games don’t finish in a flash — you can actually appreciate them.

Point 6: Time to socialise between moves

Socialise with opponents during correspondence chess games

Turn-based games make conversation easier. Many players form lasting friendships because games unfold over weeks.

Point 7: Sharpen openings and strategy knowledge

Sharpen your opening theory in correspondence chess

With more thinking time, you naturally explore openings and strategic themes.

Point 8: Community spirit

Correspondence chess builds a slower, more stable community. Players stick around for months and years, and the shared events (tournaments, teams, forums) make it feel like a real chess club.

Point 9: Fits into a busy schedule

You can think about your move whenever you have time — morning, evening, commute, lunch break — as long as you stay within the agreed time limit.

Point 10: Complements over-the-board chess

Many players find correspondence chess strengthens strategic thinking and calculation habits. It often improves “serious chess” decision-making because sloppy moves get punished.

Historical note: Alexander Alekhine played correspondence chess early in his career and saw postal chess and OTB chess as complementary.
[Event "Correspondence 1905-1906"] [Site "?"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Giese"] [Black "Alekhine"] [Result "0-1"] 1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Bc4 d5 4.Bxd5 Qh4+ 5.Kf1 g5 6.Nc3 Ne7 7.d4 Bg7 8.Nf3 Qh5 9.h4 h6 10.e5 Nbc6 11.Kg1 g4 12.Ne1 Bf5 13.Bxc6+ Nxc6 14.Ne2 Be4 15.Bxf4 Qf5 16.Qd2 0-0-0 17.Ng3 Qh7 18.Qe2 Nxd4 19.Qc4 Bc6 20.c3 Ne6 21.Qf1 h5 22.Bg5 Bxe5 23.Bxd8 Bxg3 24.Bf6 Qe4 25.Nd3 Nf4 26.Rh3 Qe3+ 27.Nf2 Nxh3+ 28.gxh3 Bh2+ 29.Kxh2 Qf4+ 0-1

Point 11: Comfort of home

Play correspondence chess from the comfort of your home

No travel, no noisy venues — just thoughtful chess from wherever you are. Great for busy people, and also helpful for players who can’t easily attend clubs.

Point 12: Less gamesmanship

Less distraction than over-the-board chess

Online correspondence chess reduces board-side intimidation and distraction. You focus more on the position and ideas.

Point 13: More relaxing than blitz

Relaxed chess without time pressure

Blitz can feel draining. Correspondence chess is calmer — you can enjoy the thinking without frantic clock pressure. Many formats allow several days per move.

Point 14: Perfect for all-play-all tournaments

Correspondence chess tournaments are ideal for parallel games

Because you can run games in parallel, correspondence chess is perfect for round-robins and themed events. You can also create your own tournaments and invite friends.

Point 15: Great for team consultation matches

Team consultation correspondence matches

Consultation/team formats let groups discuss and vote on moves. It’s a fantastic way to learn and build community around big games.

Point 16: Time to apply instructive strategic themes

With time between moves, you can consciously apply patterns and plans from instructive games. Example:

Rook on the 7th Rank (Instructive Theme)

Point 17: Improves understanding and promotes good habits

Sloppy moves are more likely to be punished. You build better thinking habits that transfer to serious OTB chess.

Point 18: Often calmer, more mature playing environment

Patience is a virtue in correspondence chess. That usually attracts players who prefer thoughtful, respectful play.

Point 19: Games are worth saving, annotating, and sharing

With deeper play, your games become better learning assets — perfect for collections, analysis, and sharing with friends.

Point 20: Easy to invite friends (and still play your other games)

Turn-based chess makes it easy to play friends and family without scheduling — while still enjoying tournaments and team play.

Ready to try correspondence chess?

Start a few games, join a tournament, and you’ll quickly see why turn-based chess is one of the most enjoyable ways to improve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is correspondence chess?

Correspondence chess is turn-based chess where you play at your own pace with hours or days between moves, allowing deeper thinking and less stress.

Can I play multiple games simultaneously?

Yes — that’s one of the biggest advantages. Tournaments and teams make it easy to have many games running so you always have positions to think about.

Is correspondence chess suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. The slower pace helps you learn without time pressure, avoid blunders, and build confidence.

How does correspondence chess improve my play?

You can analyze deeper, consider plans more carefully, and learn from higher-quality games. These habits often transfer to OTB chess.

What are typical time limits?

Time controls vary. Many games allow days per move, so you can choose a pace that fits your schedule.

Where can I start playing correspondence chess online?

You can start at ChessWorld.net — create a free account and begin playing immediately.

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