What is correspondence chess? Some people believe that correspondence chess is the "ideal chess". Due to the time available to study the position without the pressure of the clock ticking away as in OTB (over the board) it is perhaps easier to select the best move to play in the position. It is also quite acceptable to consult opening manuals, databases etc. in the pursuit of perfection. E-mail is a great way to play correspondence chess. There are no long waits between moves as your postcard travels across the earth to its destination. Your email is normally delivered immediately. Hence email games progress more quickly than correspondence games relying on regular mail.

       Different types of games

It is very common to play two games at the same time with each opponent, one as white and one as black and most correspondence chess organisations organise different types of games. For example:

a) Skittle games - played just for fun and are unrated.

b) Casual games - rated games but not part of a tournament.

c) Thematic Tournaments - a game is started from a given position e.g. a variation of the Sicilian.

d) Team Tournaments - here a group of players get together to play other teams. However, moves are still made independently, without consultation with team mates.

  Record Keeping

Accurate record keeping is very important in correspondence chess as a simple error could lose the game. There are two aspects to record:

1) The position on the board - study the board & moves - haveing to stand by it, even if you have made a typing error. This is considered the touch-move rule.

2) Reflection time you and your opponent take - This is the amount of time taken to think about the next move. A time limit of about 10 moves in 30 days is common.

                       Advantages

1. Improve analytical skills - There is plenty of time to reflect on the possible moves available in the particular position without the pressure of the clock ticking away. It is also permissible to set up the position on a board and to move the pieces around while trying to determine the best move which is, of course not allowed in OTB play. Some people who want to improve their OTB skills analyse the position as if it were a live game and then check it by moving the pieces before finally sending their response.

2. Able to fit chess playing into a busy schedule - As long as you stay within acceptable time limits you can think about your move at any time of day or night wherever you may be.

3. Make friends with people from all over the world - As well as including your move with your message it is also acceptable to include some chat too.
Disadvantages

1. It can take a long time to complete a game - It is not unknown for a game to take a year or more to complete. However, games played via e-mail are generally completed more quickly than correspondence games played by regular mail.