Experience classic email chess with ChessWorld.net’s correspondence-style platform. Make your moves when convenient and get email notifications for your turns.
100 Fun Facts & Trivia About Email Chess
1. Email chess is a form of correspondence chess where moves are exchanged via email instead of postal mail.
This speeds up communication compared to traditional mail.
2. Email chess allows players from around the world to compete asynchronously without needing to be online at the same time.
Players can take hours or days to consider each move.
3. The first known correspondence chess games date back to the 19th century, long before email existed.
Email chess is just a modern evolution of this classic format.
4. Email chess games can last for months or even years due to the relaxed time controls.
This contrasts sharply with rapid or blitz games.
5. Email chess has popularized the use of digital chess notation (PGN) for sharing moves efficiently.
Portable Game Notation (PGN) files are easy to attach to emails.
6. Many correspondence chess clubs have transitioned from postal mail to email to reduce costs and improve speed.
It also reduces the risk of lost or delayed mail.
7. Email chess platforms often provide automated tracking and reminders to help players keep games active.
This prevents games from stagnating.
8. Some players use chess engines to assist their analysis in email chess, since there are no strict rules against it in many correspondence events.
This distinguishes email chess from over-the-board play.
9. Email chess offers great opportunities for deep strategic thinking because of the longer reflection time.
Players can carefully calculate and plan moves.
10. Email chess is perfect for players with busy schedules who cannot commit to live play sessions.
They can play whenever convenient.
11. Unlike live chess, email chess games do not require real-time presence, making them ideal for international players in different time zones.
This globalizes the playing field.
12. Some famous grandmasters have participated in correspondence chess via email or online systems as a form of training or relaxation.
It provides a different style of challenge.
13. Email chess reduces the pressure of time controls, helping players avoid hasty mistakes.
Players can study the position deeply before responding.
14. Many email chess games are archived online, creating a rich database for study and enjoyment.
These archives preserve the history of correspondence chess.
15. Email chess games often involve extensive use of chess analysis software to check moves and plans.
This has raised interesting ethical debates about engine assistance.
16. Some correspondence chess federations require players to declare whether they use engine assistance in email games.
This ensures fair play and transparency.
17. Email chess can include tournaments with hundreds or thousands of participants globally.
The asynchronous format makes this feasible.
18. Moves in email chess are usually sent in standard algebraic notation for clarity.
This universal language avoids confusion.
19. Because of the slow pace, email chess encourages more precise and cautious play compared to faster formats.
Players often uncover deep strategic ideas.
20. Email chess has helped revive interest in correspondence chess among younger players.
Technology makes it more accessible.
21. The longest correspondence chess games played via email can span years, sometimes over a decade.
Such games require great patience and dedication.
22. Email chess allows detailed move explanations to be included in messages, aiding learning.
Players often discuss ideas, plans, and variations.
23. Some players create annotated game logs alongside their emails for study and sharing.
This enriches the chess community's resources.
24. Email chess reduces environmental impact by eliminating postal paper and physical mail.
A green way to enjoy chess!
25. Many online chess servers integrate email chess functionality.
Players can manage correspondence games within one platform.
26. The rise of smartphones has made it easier to participate in email chess on the go.
Moves can be sent anytime, anywhere.
27. Email chess supports multi-game play, allowing players to engage in multiple matches simultaneously.
This increases engagement and challenge.
28. Some email chess games feature detailed time controls measured in days or weeks per move.
These flexible controls suit varied player needs.
29. Email chess allows games to be paused and resumed over months without penalty.
Perfect for busy lives.
30. Some chess organizations hold championship titles specifically for correspondence/email chess.
These titles are recognized by the International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF).
31. Email chess can feature “team matches” where teams collaborate remotely on moves before sending them.
Teamwork brings a new dimension to analysis.
32. Players often use cloud-based chess software during email games to analyze positions collaboratively.
Multiple engines and human inputs combine.
33. Some email chess players enjoy incorporating historical openings and rare variations due to the relaxed pace.
This experimentation enriches the game's variety.
34. Email chess is especially popular among retired players who prefer slower-paced games.
It provides mental engagement without time pressure.
35. Correspondence chess including email has led to some deeply theoretical games influencing opening theory.
High-level correspondence games are studied by grandmasters.
36. Email chess encourages players to improve notation skills since clear communication is essential.
Accurate notation avoids confusion and disputes.
37. Some email chess platforms offer “premove” or “auto-send” options to speed up play.
This balances the asynchronous nature with timely moves.
38. Email chess is often played using standardized chess clocks with days per move instead of minutes.
These clocks track extended time controls.
39. Email chess games are commonly saved in PGN format, making them easy to analyze or replay.
PGN is a universal chess language.
40. Email chess fosters strong sportsmanship because of the time available to verify moves and avoid errors.
Players tend to be respectful and polite.
41. Some email chess tournaments allow engine use, while others strictly forbid it.
Rules vary widely by organizer.
42. Email chess can be combined with video or voice calls for richer player interaction.
Modern tools enhance social aspects.
43. Players sometimes include photos, messages, or notes along with their email moves.
This adds a personal touch.
44. Email chess is accessible to players with disabilities who find over-the-board play challenging.
It removes physical and timing constraints.
45. Some chess engines can automatically generate email move messages ready for sending.
Automation streamlines play.
46. Email chess can be played on any device with email access — no special software needed.
This makes it very inclusive.
47. Games played by email can be archived permanently, creating valuable historical records.
This preserves chess heritage.
48. Email chess can be played anonymously if players use pseudonymous email accounts.
This supports privacy.
49. The flexibility of email chess allows integration into daily routines without disrupting schedules.
Players can respond during breaks or evenings.
50. Email chess nurtures deep thinking and patience, qualities valuable beyond chess.
Slow, thoughtful play improves life skills.
51. Some email chess platforms allow direct import of PGN files for game continuation.
This eases transition between platforms.
52. Players often use correspondence chess (including email) to experiment with new openings and strategies.
The slower pace allows deeper testing.
53. Email chess supports multi-language communication, broadening its international appeal.
Chess notation is universal, helping cross language barriers.
54. Email chess helps preserve the rich tradition of correspondence chess in the digital age.
It continues a centuries-old chess format.
55. Email chess is well-suited for cross-generational play, connecting young and old players.
Time flexibility accommodates different life stages.
56. Some email chess players create personal databases to track their game history and results.
This helps analyze progress over time.
57. Email chess has seen specialized tournaments like World Correspondence Chess Championships.
These championships carry prestige.
58. Email chess matches can be easily resumed after interruptions.
No need to restart or lose progress.
59. Some players enjoy the quiet, meditative quality of email chess compared to fast-paced games.
This reflects a different style of chess enjoyment.
60. Email chess games can include detailed move comments, helping both players learn.
Annotations deepen the educational value.
61. The low stress environment of email chess reduces common psychological pressures like time trouble.
This can improve playing quality.
62. Email chess supports “double blind” matches where neither player knows the opponent’s identity.
This adds an element of mystery and fairness.
63. Some correspondence chess rating systems now integrate email game results.
This keeps ratings updated accurately.
64. Email chess can be a gateway for new players to learn chess slowly without pressure.
They can take time to understand concepts.
65. Players sometimes exchange friendly messages along with moves, enhancing community bonds.
Social interaction adds to the fun.
66. Email chess can be combined with chess study groups sharing moves and analysis.
This collaborative learning is powerful.
67. Some chess historians use email chess to reconstruct or simulate historic correspondence games.
This helps revive lost traditions.
68. Email chess often follows strict rules set by tournament organizers, including move submission deadlines.
These rules ensure fairness and order.
69. Email chess games can include "post-move analysis" where players discuss each move after sending it.
This turns the game into a rich learning experience.
70. The rise of email chess has contributed to the development of dedicated correspondence chess websites.
These platforms offer tools tailored for email play.
71. Email chess encourages better notation skills since all moves must be communicated clearly.
Accurate communication avoids disputes.
72. Email chess allows use of various chess variants, including Fischer Random or Chess960 correspondence games.
This expands variety and challenge.
73. Some players use email chess as a form of mental therapy or relaxation.
Slow chess encourages calm and focus.
74. Email chess often involves complex time management strategies, balancing patience with timely replies.
Managing deadlines is part of the skill.
75. Email chess games may be moderated to check for compliance with tournament rules and fair play.
Moderators ensure integrity.
76. Some email chess platforms feature built-in engines to provide automatic analysis after each move.
This aids players’ understanding.
77. Email chess allows for multi-player correspondence events like team leagues and round robins.
Teams collaborate over weeks or months.
78. Moves can be sent as simple text or as attachments with chess software files (PGN).
Both formats are widely accepted.
79. Email chess promotes good sportsmanship due to the extended time for thoughtful moves and responses.
Players tend to be respectful and friendly.
80. Email chess often uses emails with standardized subjects for easy tracking.
Players and organizers can sort games by subject line.
81. Some correspondence chess players keep personal game journals alongside email records.
Journaling improves learning outcomes.
82. Email chess has been embraced by people with disabilities who may find physical play difficult.
It offers accessible competitive chess.
83. Email chess sometimes features “simultaneous” tournaments where a single player plays many email games at once.
This increases engagement and challenge.
84. Email chess can help develop deep opening preparation due to the availability of time.
Players can explore rich opening theory in correspondence.
85. Some email chess players use databases and engine evaluations to prepare responses.
This intensifies the level of play compared to casual games.
86. Email chess is ideal for analytical minds who enjoy slow-paced strategic battles.
It’s a mental marathon, not a sprint.
87. The ICCF (International Correspondence Chess Federation) is the official body governing correspondence chess worldwide.
It oversees many email chess tournaments.
88. Email chess games frequently feature extended post-game analysis included in emails.
Players discuss alternate moves and ideas.
89. Email chess promotes lifelong learning and practice.
Players can continue playing and improving for decades.
90. Email chess tournaments have categories for beginners, amateurs, and grandmasters alike.
It’s a democratic format.
91. Many email chess players form long-lasting friendships with opponents through slow, thoughtful correspondence.
The format fosters social connection.
92. Email chess games can involve extensive opening novelties and innovations.
The slower pace allows detailed preparation.
93. Email chess offers a unique combination of classic tradition and modern technology.
It keeps correspondence chess relevant.
94. Email chess can be played anywhere with internet access — even while traveling or commuting.
It is a very portable format.
95. Players often enjoy the relaxed social atmosphere of email chess compared to high-pressure live tournaments.
It’s great for casual competition.
96. Some email chess platforms allow integration with chess engines to suggest possible moves.
This helps players learn and improve.
97. Email chess supports a wide variety of time controls, from ultra-slow to moderately fast.
Flexible pacing suits many styles.
98. Email chess can include correspondence chess variants such as crazyhouse or 3-check.
This adds fun twists to classic play.
99. Email chess is often considered the “thinking person’s chess” due to the depth of analysis it encourages.
It rewards patience and skill.
100. Email chess continues to thrive as an important and beloved form of chess in the digital age.
It honors the game’s rich history while embracing technology.
Play friendly online chess at your own pace
Ideal for multiple games at the same time
Time to play your best chess
Logout and back in during a single game
Chat with friends between moves
Make quality moves with fewer blunders
Playing
Learning Chess Courses
Support
