A Guide to Correspondence Chess in Wales
`
`Page 1 of 10
`
`WCCF (/) /  Play (/content/15) /  A Guide to Correspondence Chess in Wales
`
`A Guide to Correspondence Chess in
`Wales
`
` AUSTIN LOCKWOOD
`(cid:20)
`
`(cid:121)
`
` FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016
`
`Based on a booklet produced by Neil Limbert and Reg Gillman for the British Federation for
`Correspondence Chess.
`
`Introduction
`
`Welcome to the fascinating world of correspondence chess! The player of this absorbing pastime can
`make new friends from all over the world and enjoy many exciting games of chess, all from the
`comfort of his own armchair.
`
`Playing chess by correspondence does not have the immediacy of chess over the board and anyone
`who expects the same kind of thrill will be disappointed. Nevertheless, there is much pleasure to be
`gained and many hours of interest.
`
`A game of chess over the board lasts for three hours or so and players may not refer to books or
`touch the pieces except to make a move in a game. In correspondence chess, a participant normally
`plays one game (or two) against multiple opponents at the same time, and the game(s) can last
`several months. The player can refer to books and move the pieces around at will while considering
`the moves.
`
`The number of games one commits to simultaneously varies from person to person depending on the
`time you have available. Some players only manage half a dozen at the same time whilst others may
`play fifty! The average is probably somewhere in the region of 15 to 20.
`
`With care to avoid silly mistakes or clerical errors, the correspondence chess player can achieve a
`considerably higher standard than he or she normally does over the board. Paradoxically, this often
`has the effect of improving his/her standard of play over the board.
`
`Sending the Moves
`
`There are two methods in general use for sending moves:
`
`• Internet server (usually called webserver)
`• Postal
`
`http://www.welshccf.org.uk/content/19
`
`10/30/2017
`
`1
`
`EX. 1003
`
`

`

`A Guide to Correspondence Chess in Wales
`
`Page 2 of 10
`
`Webserver
`The advent of the webserver has revolutionised the world of correspondence chess! The vast
`majority of international play now takes place by webserver which has removed many of the
`potential problems which sometimes faced postal chess. The player usually makes his move on a
`screen-based chessboard using “drag and drop” with the mouse. An email is automatically produced
`advising the opponent of the move played with time taken etc. No more moves are “lost in the post”,
`the chance of clerical error is much reduced, and all the administration (time-keeping etc) is done for
`you. Therefore all the player has to do is concentrate on the game!
`
`All WCCF events are played on the The International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF)
`webserver, which you can find at https://www.iccf.com/ (https://www.iccf.com/) Here, almost all
`international play takes place – World Championships, Team Olympiads, qualification tournaments,
`friendly international matches and many more – the variety of tournaments available to every type of
`player (from beginner to expert) seems endless.
`
`Postal
`The traditional method of correspondence chess!
`
`WCCF do not organise postal events, however some of our member organisation still run
`tournaments and games on a postal basis. It is also still possible to play internationally by post
`through ICCF, providing the player does not mind the expense.
`
`Each move is recorded in turn on a postcard, or a specially designed scorecard (such as the ones used
`by the BCCA – British Correspondence Chess Association) which can fit in a window envelope and be
`posted back and forth between the players. Moves and dates must be clearly recorded and a record
`kept by both players.
`
`The principal disadvantages of postal play are:
`
`• Moves can be “lost” in the post thus delaying the game.
`• Clerical errors. Setting up the board incorrectly, writing down the wrong move or recording an
`opponent’s move incorrectly.
`
`Despite these disadvantages, postal play continues to be very popular because it is easy to use and
`requires no computer software.
`
`Recording the Position
`
`Whichever system is used for sending the moves, it is very important to keep a careful record of the
`moves (and dates). Score books or scoresheets available from most chess suppliers are useful for this
`purpose but specifically designed correspondence chess stationery is even better. Most Federation
`members can supply such stationery to you.
`
`Of course, many players now use chess software such as Chess Base or Chess Assistant to maintain
`records of their games. This has the obvious advantage of taking the ongoing game to its present
`position with one click of the mouse, rather than having to play through the whole game each time
`on a board.  Indeed for server players, most record keeping is now done automatically.
`
`http://www.welshccf.org.uk/content/19
`
`10/30/2017
`
`2
`
`

`

`A Guide to Correspondence Chess in Wales
`
`Page 3 of 10
`
`Good Practice
`
`Those who are thinking of taking up correspondence chess often wonder to what extent they would
`be expected to correspond with their opponents. The answer is, only as much as they and their
`opponent want to. The expected courtesy at the beginning of a game is a comment such as, “Nice to
`meet you. I look forward to a good game.”(The correspondence chess equivalent of shaking hands). If
`you want to expand on this adding a few personal details, it can do no harm, but do not be
`disappointed if your opponent does not respond in kind. Many players do not have the time or the
`necessary fluency of the pen.
`
`The importance of courtesy cannot be stressed too much. Courtesy in correspondence chess is not
`just being polite when occasion demands. It is observing the rules, replying promptly, giving advance
`information on holidays and resigning a game when it is lost. Whilst on the subject of resigning, it is
`the sign of a weak player to continue a lost game, but it is an act of discourtesy to tell an opponent
`he has a lost game and ought to resign.
`
`Some players feel it is unfriendly to date their moves or claim the game on time. This is not so. The
`rules should always be followed and it is far more of an unfriendly act to ignore them. In postal chess,
`never ask to take a move back yourself, nor allow an opponent to do so.
`
`Using Computers
`
`Players new to correspondence chess often wonder whether it is OK to use a computer. Computers
`are wonderful tools: the software available for the storing and recording of games, database game
`collections, electronic transmission of moves and the internet webserver have all had a massive
`positive effect on correspondence chess. The use of a computer for these reasons is totally
`acceptable.
`
`The use of a computer to assist with analysis is much more controversial, and is a tricky subject to
`give guidance on. Some Federation members (such as SchemingMind) have a rule banning the use of
`computers to assist with analysis. But such a rule is always based on a gentleman’s agreement and is
`practically unenforceable. As a result, the ICCF have taken a different approach of tacit acceptance
`and realism.
`
`Analysis by computers has not yet conquered the world of chess! They continue to make mistakes
`and are weak in various areas. In the ICCF, the strong correspondence player is one who understands
`the position and knows when to ignore the computer evaluation and go his own way. If two players
`use the same computer, the stronger player will invariably win and there is every reason to believe
`this state of affairs will continue. At the end of the day, players must play correspondence chess for
`their own enjoyment, so the level of computer-assisted analysis must remain a very personal thing.
`Experience has shown that a player who simply switches on the computer and plays the move
`recommended, will drift away from correspondence chess after a couple of seasons at the most. Why
`spend time, effort and money on a hobby if you have no input? The players who stick around year
`after year are the heart and soul of correspondence chess. So, obey the rules and enjoy the game!
`
`International Correspondence Chess
`
`http://www.welshccf.org.uk/content/19
`
`10/30/2017
`
`3
`
`

`

`A Guide to Correspondence Chess in Wales
`
`Page 4 of 10
`
`Federation (ICCF)
`
`https://www.iccf.com/ (https://www.iccf.com/)
`
`The ICCF is recognised world-wide as the governing body of correspondence chess. It lays down the
`rules and sets standards. The ICCF standard time control is 10 moves in 50 days. Given below is a
`flavour of the tournaments to be enjoyed.
`
`Promotion Tournaments
`The promotion tournaments are organised into three divisions: Open Class, Higher Class or Master
`Class. Players new to ICCF generally start in Open Class and you can get promoted up the ladder by
`winning a section or by achieving a certain level of ICCF rating. Open Class and Higher Class are
`7player tournaments (6 games) whilst Master Class are 11-player tournaments (10 games).
`
`World Championships
`After Master Class, the next step on the promotion ladder is to the preliminaries of the World
`Championships or the semi-finals of the European Championships. So, each and every player has a
`direct path to a World title!
`
`ICCF Titles
`Just like our over-the-board cousin FIDE, the ICCF offers International Master (IM) titles, Senior
`International Master (SIM) titles and Grandmaster (GM) titles, as well as the "minor" titles of
`Correspondence Chess Master (CCM) and Expert (CCE). These are obtained by achieving Title
`“Norms” in qualifying tournaments. The International Arbiter Title (IA) may also be obtained. Holders
`of titles receive a certificate and a medal.  ICCF titles are acknowledged by FIDE.
`
`Master Norm Tournaments/Memorials
`To allow players the chance to obtain Title Norms, the ICCF offers regular Norm tournaments to
`players with a rating of 2300 or over. There are also Memorial and Invitation tournaments organised
`annually by various countries which sometimes provide additional norm possibilities.
`
`World Cups and Webchess Opens
`Every year the ICCF organises at least one of these events which are open to all. These tournaments
`are usually in three stages with the winners only advancing to the next stage. The World Cup has a
`glorious tradition in the ICCF and usually attracts the highest number of entries of any tournament. In
`recent times, the ICCF has also begun to organise Webchess Opens and Veterans only World Cups.
`
`Thematic Tournaments
`
`http://www.welshccf.org.uk/content/19
`
`10/30/2017
`
`4
`
`

`

`A Guide to Correspondence Chess in Wales
`
`Page 5 of 10
`
`These are unrated tournaments where the first few moves (the theme, generally a known opening)
`are compulsory in all games, and players play a black and a white game against each opponent.
`Depending upon the number of entrants, these tournaments can be in two stages – preliminary and
`final. Usually, 6 or 7 themes are started annually by webserver, and another 4 or 5 by post.
`
`ICCF Team Tournaments
`Various team tournaments are organised by the ICCF including Olympiads for national teams. To be
`selected for your national team in these events is a great honour and something for all players to
`aspire to. It is not unusual for the top board of an Olympiad Final to be stronger (in terms of rating)
`than a World Championship Final!
`
`For those players lower down the rung, the ICCF Champions League is the ideal team tournament. 4
`players per team and your team-mates can be of any nationality. Various divisions with
`promotion/relegation so all strengths of player are catered for.
`
`Friendly Team Matches
`The Welsh team usually play 4 to 5 friendly matches per year against other countries. These matches
`can be as large or small as the number of players available: as the Welsh team captain is always on
`the lookout for new players, this is an ideal opportunity to represent your country. You play only two
`games (with White and Black) against one opponent and care is taken to try and match up players of
`equal strength, players of all strengths are encouraged to participate in these matches.
`
`Welsh Correspondence Chess Federation
`(WCCF)
`
`http://www.welshccf.org.uk/ (http://www.welshccf.org.uk/)
`
`The Welsh Correspondence Chess Federation (WCCF) is officially recognised by the International
`Correspondence Chess Federation as the national organisation representing Welsh players.
`
`WCCF is a consortium of British and international correspondence chess organisations which have
`Welsh members. The Executive Committee of WCCF consists of President, Secretary, International
`Secretary (who also serves as the Welsh delegate to ICCF), Treasurer, WCU representative, and a
`representative of each member organisation. The full WCCF constitution is available on the website.
`
`Welsh Correspondence Chess Championship (WCCC)
`After a seventeen year hiatus, the WCCC will recommence in 2017, further details will be available on
`this website.
`
`British Correspondence Chess Events
`
`http://www.welshccf.org.uk/content/19
`
`10/30/2017
`
`5
`
`

`

`A Guide to Correspondence Chess in Wales
`
`Page 6 of 10
`
`The British Federation for Correspondence Chess (BFCC) was dissolved in 2014, however British
`correspondence chess events still thrive, and are generally organised by WCCF, our sister UK national
`ICCF federations (The English Federation for Correspondence Chess (http://www.iccfengland.org/)
`and the Scottish Correspondence Chess Association (http://www.scottishcca.co.uk/)), or other
`independent correspondence chess organisations such as the British Correspondence Chess
`Association (http://www.bccachess.org/).
`
`British Correspondence Chess Championship (BCCC)
`The BCCC (http://www.iccfengland.org/bccc.html) is the premium British CC event and is organised
`jointly by WCCF, EFCC and ScoCCA.  The tournament is held annually commencing on the 15 October,
`although entries usually have to be in by September 1st. The Championship section comprises 11 to
`15 players and will determine the next British Champion. There follows a maximum of three
`Candidates sections (between seven and nine players) and as many Reserve sections as entries allow.
`Competitors play one game against each of the others in the same section, all the games taking place
`at the same time. The championship is open to all British residents and is placed exclusively by
`webserver.  As the BCCC is considered by ICCF to be an international tournament, title norms are
`now available.
`
`British Webserver Team Tournament (BWSTT)
`The BWSTT (http://www.welshccf.org.uk/content/60) started in 2011. The first two seasons were run
`under the auspices of EFCC. The tournament is currently organised by WCCF.
`
`Teams consist of 4 players who play (usually) 6 games each.
`
`Counties and Districts CC Championship (C&DCCC)
`The C&DCCC (http://www.iccfengland.org/cdccc.html) is currently organised by EFCC and is open to
`teams representing counties or districts in the United Kingdom.  There are three divisions:
`
`• Division One (Ward-Higgs)
`• Division Two (Sinclair)
`• Division Three (Butler-Thomas)
`
`Welsh interests are currently represented by teams from West Wales and East Wales.
`
`WCCF Member Organisations
`
`The following four British Correspondence chess organisations are all member organisations of
`WCCF; although entry to Welsh events, or to ICCF events as a Welsh player, does not require
`membership of one of these organisations, there are certain benefits of membership (for example
`the entry fee for the WCCC is discounted for members).
`
`The Welsh Chess Union (http://www.welshchessunion.uk/) has honorary membership of WCCF.
`
`British Correspondence Chess Association (BCCA)
`
`http://www.welshccf.org.uk/content/19
`
`10/30/2017
`
`6
`
`

`

`A Guide to Correspondence Chess in Wales
`
`Page 7 of 10
`
`http://www.bccachess.org/ (http://www.bccachess.org/)
`
`The oldest (founded 1906) and largest of the traditional correspondence chess clubs, the BCCA
`provides extremely well organised and entertaining chess for all classes of chess player. An array of
`different tournaments and competitions (including Annual Championship, Handicap, Webserver,
`Email, Gambit, Thematic, a specialist Endgame tournament and much more. The BCCA also has an
`award winning magazine – Correspondence Chess. Issued since 1949, it is packed with articles, tips
`and puzzles as well as providing up to date BCCA results and news. Issued free to members quarterly.
`
`Also runs the BCCL (British Correspondence Chess League).
`
`SchemingMind Online Correspondence Chess Club
`http://www.schemingmind.com/ (http://www.schemingmind.com/)
`
`SchemingMind is an Internet correspondence chess club entirely based on its on specially designed
`webserver. Unlike the other main British clubs, the majority of the membership is international with
`only around 25-30% of its members from the UK. Promoting friendliness and a club spirit, Scheming
`Mind offers various tournaments and private challenge matches. The club also specialises in chess
`variants such as Fischer Random, Crazyhouse, Kriegspiel, Loser’s Chess and many more.
`
`Social Correspondence Chess Association (SCCA)
`Founded in 1940, the SCCA maintains a deliberate policy of fairly small membership to foster a
`friendly and sociable atmosphere. A range of tournaments is offered and the club also publishes its
`own magazine, Checkmate, which contains news, results and other information.
`
`National Correspondence Chess Club (NatCor)
`http://www.natcor.org.uk/ (http://www.natcor.org.uk/)
`
`Founded in 1932, NatCor maintains that its outstanding feature is the friendliness that exists
`between members. NatCor boasts a monthly magazine called ‘En Passant’ that provides up-to-date
`news on tournaments, articles, members' letters, a games section and book reviews.
`
`What Now?
`
`If you are a Welsh chess player and are interested by any of the above information, please contact
`the WCCF Secretary, Austin Lockwood (austin@schemingmind.com), or the International Secretary,
`Russell Sherwood (leanthinker@hotmail.co.uk), who will advise you on the most appropriate events
`to enter.  Alternatively you can register in ICCF as a Welsh player by going to https://www.iccf.com/
`(https://www.iccf.com/) and clicking "New Player".  We aim to contact all new Welsh registrations
`within a few days.
`
`WCCF does not have individual members, so there is no membership fee; although we do encourage
`membership of one or more of our member organisations.
`
`Updated Thursday, February 9, 2017 by Austin Lockwood
`
`http://www.welshccf.org.uk/content/19
`
`10/30/2017
`
`7
`
`

`

`A Guide to Correspondence Chess in Wales
`
`Page 8 of 10
`
` (https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?
`mini=true&url=http://www.welshccf.org.uk/article/97&text=A%20Guide%20to%
`20Correspondence%20Chess%20in%20Wales)
` (https://plus.google.com/share?url=http://www.welshccf.org.uk/article/97&text=A%
`20Guide%20to%20Correspondence%20Chess%20in%20Wales)
` (https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?
`u=http://www.welshccf.org.uk/article/97)
` (https://twitter.com/share?url=http://www.welshccf.org.uk/article/97&text=A%
`20Guide%20to%20Correspondence%20Chess%20in%20Wales)
`
`http://www.welshccf.org.uk/content/19
`
`10/30/2017
`
`8
`
`

`

`A Guide to Correspondence Chess in Wales
`
`Page 9 of 10
`
`http://www.welshccf.org.uk/content/19
`
`10/30/2017
`
`9
`
`

`

`A Guide to Correspondence Chess in Wales
`
`Page 10 of 10
`
`http://www.welshccf.org.uk/content/19
`
`10/30/2017
`
`10
`
`