Correspondence Chess in the Computer Age

Before the internet, chess was played by post. A game could take two years to finish. Today, Correspondence Chess (CC)—also known as "Daily" or "Turn-Based" chess—lives on through servers like ChessWorld.net. It remains the purest way to learn strategy, free from the anxiety of the ticking clock.

1. What is allowed? (The Rules)

Unlike live Blitz chess, Correspondence chess has a unique set of rules regarding "outside assistance." Note: Always check the specific rules of your tournament!

• ✅ Allowed: Opening Books, Physical Databases (ECO), and often Digital Databases (looking up played master games).
• ✅ Allowed: Moving pieces on a physical board to analyze.
• ❌ BANNED: Using a Chess Engine (Stockfish) to generate moves for you (unless playing in specific "Centaur/Freestyle" leagues).
• ❌ BANNED: Asking another human player for the best move.

This creates a beautiful learning environment: You can research the history of your opening, but you must find the strategy yourself.

2. The Tools of the CC Player

The Analysis Board

On ChessWorld, you have an in-game analysis board. You can move pieces around to test variations. Tip: Save your notes! Write down "If he goes Ne5, I play d4." When you return to the game 3 days later, you will remember your plan instantly.

Conditional Moves

To speed up play, use "Conditional Moves."
"If my opponent plays 1...e5, the server should automatically play 2.Nf3 for me."
This is vital for forcing lines and recaptures.

Databases

Since you are allowed to look up openings, Correspondence Chess is the best way to fix your repertoire. If your opponent plays a line you don't know, you have 3 days to research it, read a chapter in a book, and find the best response. You learn while playing.

3. Strategy: "The Truth"

In Blitz, you can play "tricky" moves that are objectively bad but confusing. In Correspondence, this is suicide. Your opponent has days to analyze your trick. Therefore, CC rewards solid, objective chess. Blunders are rare; games are won by deep strategic planning and endgames.

4. Etiquette

• Vacation Time: If you are going away, pause your games properly. Don't just let the clock run.
• Communication: CC is social! Many lasting friendships are formed via in-game chat over the months a game takes to complete.
• Resignation: When a game is clearly lost (e.g., Mate in 5), resign politely. Dragging it out for another week is considered poor sportsmanship.