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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Turn-based games make conversation easier. Many players form lasting friendships because games unfold over weeks.
With more thinking time, you naturally explore openings and strategic themes.
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.
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.
Many players find correspondence chess strengthens strategic thinking and calculation habits. It often improves “serious chess” decision-making because sloppy moves get punished.
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.
Online correspondence chess reduces board-side intimidation and distraction. You focus more on the position and ideas.
Blitz can feel draining. Correspondence chess is calmer — you can enjoy the thinking without frantic clock pressure. Many formats allow several days per move.
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.
Consultation/team formats let groups discuss and vote on moves. It’s a fantastic way to learn and build community around big games.
With time between moves, you can consciously apply patterns and plans from instructive games. Example:
Sloppy moves are more likely to be punished. You build better thinking habits that transfer to serious OTB chess.
Patience is a virtue in correspondence chess. That usually attracts players who prefer thoughtful, respectful play.
With deeper play, your games become better learning assets — perfect for collections, analysis, and sharing with friends.
Turn-based chess makes it easy to play friends and family without scheduling — while still enjoying tournaments and team play.
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.
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.
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.
Absolutely. The slower pace helps you learn without time pressure, avoid blunders, and build confidence.
You can analyze deeper, consider plans more carefully, and learn from higher-quality games. These habits often transfer to OTB chess.
Time controls vary. Many games allow days per move, so you can choose a pace that fits your schedule.
You can start at ChessWorld.net — create a free account and begin playing immediately.