Enjoy the classic style of turn-based correspondence chess – where strategy matters more than speed. ChessWorld.net is perfect for thoughtful players who prefer to reflect on each move.
Correspondence chess is a relaxed form of chess where players have hours or days to make a move. You can log in when convenient and play at your own pace. It’s ideal for strategic depth and thoughtful planning, unlike blitz or real-time chess.
100 Top Fun Facts & Trivia About Correspondence Chess
1. Correspondence chess dates back centuries and was originally played via letters.
Players would send moves by mail, sometimes taking days or weeks per move.
2. The longest correspondence chess game on record lasted over 50 years!
It began in 1876 and finally ended in 1914.
3. Correspondence chess allows players to spend days analyzing a single move.
This leads to very deep and precise games.
4. Today, most correspondence chess is played online via dedicated platforms.
Popular sites include ICCF.org, Chess.com, and Lichess.
5. The International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF) governs official correspondence chess worldwide.
It was founded in 1951.
6. Correspondence chess games often involve a higher level of accuracy than over-the-board games.
Because players can consult books, databases, and engines within allowed rules.
7. Modern correspondence chess rules vary on engine use — some allow it, some don't.
ICCF permits engine use under strict conditions in many tournaments.
8. The “postal chess” era ended largely with the rise of the internet in the late 20th century.
Online play drastically reduced move times.
9. The first known correspondence chess game took place in the 12th century!
It was played between players at different monasteries.
10. Correspondence chess requires tremendous patience — games can last months or years.
Many players enjoy the contemplative pace.
11. Some correspondence games feature spectacularly deep sacrifices that would be unlikely over the board.
Long-term planning is easier with unlimited time.
12. In correspondence chess, players often use extensive opening theory databases.
This makes the opening phase very well-researched and precise.
13. Correspondence chess ratings are separate from over-the-board ratings.
ICCF uses its own rating system.
14. Many top over-the-board grandmasters have also been correspondence chess champions.
Examples include Mikhail Botvinnik and Anatoly Karpov.
15. The 1970s “Game of the Century” correspondence match was played between Hans Berliner and J. W. Collins.
It was notable for deep strategic ideas.
16. Correspondence chess games are often fully annotated and studied as masterpieces.
The depth allows beautiful combinations and ideas.
17. The pace of correspondence chess means players can check and re-check variations extensively.
Blunders are much rarer than in blitz or classical OTB.
18. Before email, correspondence chess moves were sometimes sent by telegraph or fax.
This sped up communication compared to postal mail.
19. Correspondence chess allows people from all over the world to compete regardless of location or time zone.
It bridges geographic distances effortlessly.
20. The “ICCF World Correspondence Chess Championship” is considered the pinnacle of the discipline.
Winners gain international fame and titles.
21. The 1990s saw the introduction of computer engines in correspondence chess analysis.
This revolutionized the level of play.
22. Some correspondence games have influenced over-the-board opening theory.
Deep analysis reveals new ideas and improvements.
23. Correspondence chess matches often have strict deadlines—players usually have days or weeks per move.
Time controls vary by tournament.
24. The famous correspondence chess player Hans Berliner was also an early pioneer of computer chess programs.
He combined human and machine analysis uniquely.
25. Many correspondence players are “amateurs” who love chess but cannot commit to regular OTB play.
The format suits busy lifestyles.
26. Correspondence chess games are often archived and stored in databases for future study.
Many famous games are freely accessible.
27. Some correspondence chess tournaments allow consultation of any printed material.
Books, magazines, and databases may be used legally.
28. Online correspondence chess platforms often notify players by email or app when it’s their turn.
This helps keep games moving.
29. In the early 20th century, correspondence chess was a popular pastime in many European chess clubs.
Postal chess leagues flourished then.
30. The longest correspondence chess game ended as a draw after 193 moves!
It required incredible endurance and focus.
31. Correspondence chess helped spread chess to remote regions where OTB play was difficult.
It was a key factor in global chess expansion.
32. The ICCF started using internet servers in the early 2000s to speed up correspondence chess play.
This replaced postal methods for many events.
33. Some players specialize exclusively in correspondence chess and never play OTB.
The skill sets overlap but have distinct focuses.
34. Correspondence chess games typically feature fewer tactical mistakes but more strategic depth.
Players can refine their plans thoroughly.
35. ICCF titles such as International Master and Grandmaster exist specifically for correspondence chess.
They require achieving norms in correspondence events.
36. Correspondence chess games can have “quiet moves” that seem passive but are brilliant long-term.
These subtle moves shine with deep analysis.
37. The rise of computer engines created controversy about “engine assistance” in correspondence chess.
Different organizations have different rules about it.
38. The Soviet Union heavily promoted correspondence chess as part of its chess dominance strategy.
Many champions came from the USSR correspondence system.
39. The famous Fischer-Spassky 1972 match was preceded by many correspondence chess games between top players testing openings.
Correspondence chess influenced OTB match prep.
40. Correspondence chess games rarely end in early checkmate; they usually reach complex endgames.
The pace allows careful defense.
41. Many correspondence chess players enjoy the “slow burn” and mental challenge over rapid games.
It suits analytical minds.
42. Correspondence chess sometimes uses a “byzantine” notation system for recording moves historically.
Modern systems use algebraic notation now.
43. The advent of powerful chess engines has dramatically raised the overall level of correspondence chess.
Some games are nearly perfect in technique.
44. Some correspondence players collaborate, sharing ideas within team events.
Team correspondence chess is popular in some leagues.
45. Correspondence chess games can involve moves played years apart.
Patience is a vital virtue.
46. The longest ICCF World Championship cycle lasted nearly 3 years per cycle.
Champions showed extreme stamina.
47. Some correspondence chess tournaments allow “infinite analysis” within move time limits.
This leads to extremely accurate moves.
48. The “adjournment” tradition in OTB chess is related to correspondence chess.
Games were paused and resumed later, mimicking postal delays.
49. Correspondence chess is considered a “mind sport” along with over-the-board chess and Go.
It requires deep thought and skill.
50. The ICCF has over 50 member federations worldwide.
It’s a truly global organization.
51. Correspondence chess has historically allowed players to study chess literature while thinking about moves.
This is prohibited in over-the-board play.
52. Many famous chess books and opening theory have been developed from correspondence chess analysis.
It’s a major source of theoretical advances.
53. The introduction of email correspondence chess tournaments helped speed up play.
Postal delays became a thing of the past.
54. Correspondence chess games sometimes involve very deep “quiet moves” that reveal genius.
Such moves are less common in fast chess.
55. The ICCF offers rapid and blitz correspondence formats with faster time controls.
Faster-paced correspondence chess has gained popularity.
56. Some correspondence chess players use special software tools to manage multiple ongoing games.
Good organization is key.
57. Correspondence chess games are often archived on sites like ChessGames.com and 365Chess.com.
Fans and researchers can study them freely.
58. The “game score” format in correspondence chess is usually standardized in PGN (Portable Game Notation).
This helps with easy sharing and analysis.
59. Correspondence chess has inspired famous chess variants, such as “infinite chess.”
Variants explore different board sizes and rules.
60. Correspondence chess helps improve opening theory by allowing exhaustive analysis of variations.
Players can test and refine openings thoroughly.
61. Correspondence chess games may end in draw by agreement or when both players have insufficient material to checkmate.
Rules mirror over-the-board chess in this respect.
62. The “zugzwang” concept is often easier to achieve in correspondence chess due to deep calculation.
Players force opponents into disadvantageous moves.
63. Correspondence chess emphasizes strategic and positional understanding over quick tactics.
It’s a great training ground for advanced thinking.
64. Some correspondence chess players reach nearly perfect play due to engine assistance.
This raises debate about human creativity vs machine aid.
65. Correspondence chess is accessible to players with physical disabilities who cannot attend tournaments.
It’s an inclusive form of competition.
66. Many correspondence chess players treasure the slow pace as it reduces stress compared to rapid games.
It promotes thoughtful decision-making.
67. Correspondence chess games can be used as training tools for OTB players.
Studying deep correspondence games improves general chess skill.
68. The “fortress” endgame often appears in correspondence chess, where one side cannot break through despite material disadvantage.
It’s a fascinating defensive technique.
69. Correspondence chess was once popularized through chess columns in newspapers.
Readers could follow games over months.
70. The ICCF organizes team correspondence chess Olympiads every few years.
Teams from different countries compete internationally.
71. Correspondence chess encourages creativity and deep planning due to unlimited analysis time per move.
Players explore complex ideas without pressure.
72. Some correspondence chess games feature “quiet moves” that hide devastating threats.
This subtlety is a hallmark of strong play.
73. Correspondence chess is sometimes called the “slowest sport in the world.”
Games can span years and thousands of moves.
74. The ICCF offers titles such as “Senior International Master” and “International Grandmaster” specifically for correspondence chess.
They differ from FIDE OTB titles.
75. The ability to analyze deeply in correspondence chess makes it a great tool for chess study.
It helps players understand positional concepts.
76. Correspondence chess can involve complex sacrifices that only pay off many moves later.
This is hard to calculate over-the-board.
77. Early correspondence chess games used handwritten move sheets sent by postal mail.
This method was slow but reliable.
78. Correspondence chess offers a less intimidating way for beginners to compete internationally.
They can play at their own pace.
79. Famous grandmasters often study correspondence chess games for opening novelties.
It’s a rich source of innovation.
80. Correspondence chess tournaments sometimes last 1-3 years per event.
Players need endurance and focus.
81. The postal chess box was a special container used to securely send chess moves.
It kept correspondence safe from tampering.
82. Some correspondence chess games have been replayed in over-the-board exhibitions.
They showcase deep strategic ideas.
83. Players often maintain multiple correspondence games at once to maximize activity.
Time management across games is important.
84. Correspondence chess ratings typically hover between 2000-2700, reflecting strong play aided by analysis.
Top players are often titled masters.
85. The term “correspondence chess” comes from the original method of exchanging moves via letters.
It distinguished it from OTB chess.
86. Correspondence chess includes “problem-solving” competitions where players compose and solve puzzles.
It’s a related intellectual activity.
87. In the 19th century, “chess clubs” often organized correspondence leagues.
It built community and rivalry across distances.
88. Correspondence chess has helped keep chess alive in times and places where OTB tournaments were scarce.
It’s an enduring form of the game.
89. Today, correspondence chess is often used for training engine-assisted opening preparation.
It blends human and machine strengths.
90. Some correspondence chess games are studied in chess books for their instructional value.
They often contain deep strategic concepts.
91. The ICCF runs world championships in both “classic” and “rapid” correspondence chess.
Rapid formats speed up the pace but retain deep thinking.
92. Correspondence chess requires excellent notation and record-keeping skills.
Errors in notation can invalidate moves.
93. Famous players like Garry Kasparov have praised correspondence chess for its analytical depth.
It complements over-the-board competition.
94. Correspondence chess can be played on postal postcards, emails, online servers, and specialized software.
Technology evolution transformed the game.
95. Some correspondence chess players prefer to keep their games private to avoid revealing opening novelties.
Secrecy can be a strategic advantage.
96. Players often develop “opening repertoires” specifically for correspondence chess.
These are highly refined and tested.
97. Correspondence chess champions earn prestige and respect comparable to OTB champions.
The disciplines differ but both require mastery.
98. Correspondence chess fosters a global community of passionate chess enthusiasts.
Players share ideas and friendship worldwide.
99. In the digital age, correspondence chess games can be instantly shared and analyzed with powerful tools.
This accelerates learning and discovery.
100. Correspondence chess remains one of the purest forms of the game, emphasizing deep thought and long-term strategy.
It’s a testament to chess’s timeless appeal.
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