Best Correspondence Chess Software to Enhance Your Game

The world of correspondence chess (cc) offers fascinating opportunities for novices on a global stage. This comprehensive guide is aimed to acquaint newbies with the exciting realm of correspondence chess. It would be a valuable asset to anyone keen on exploring this unique blend of strategy and communication. Please respect the original copyright upon sharing this guide.

Venturing into international correspondence chess is a commendable pursuit. However, beginners often find themselves overwhelmed by the vast array of information available. This comprehensive guide makes the initiation process simpler by offering strategic tips and recommendations for a smooth start.

Selecting the Ideal Chess Organization


The first step towards starting correspondence chess is choosing the right organization. For those without serious correspondence chess tournament experience, the International Email Chess Club (IECC) and International Email Chess Group (IECG) come highly recommended. Both of these organizations offer cost-free opportunities for playing email chess, meaning players are exempt from dues or entry fees.

Players eager to dive straight into officially ranked and organized tournament games should consider the International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF). However, it requires a minimal entry fee for tournaments. The ICCF, recognized by the FIDE for international correspondence chess, is a federation of national entities, but it doesn’t require membership in one.

It is advisable for beginners to start with either IECC or IECG. After developing a taste for tournament play via email, they should think about graduating to ICCF. Here, they can compete for an official rating and title.

Computer Engine Use in Correspondence Chess Games


If you object to computer engine use in correspondence chess games, it is significant to note that both ICCF and IECG have no ban on engine use. Since there is no foolproof way to detect such use, it’s viewed as a practical approach. However, the IECC does forbid engine use in games if this is a concern for you.

Essentials Tools for Correspondence Chess

In correspondence chess games, a vast array of tools are permissible, such as chess engines (unless prohibited), endgame tablebases, reference books, and databases. The essence of correspondence chess lies in research. Despite consultation being a controversial topic in cc circles, it is advisable to avoid consulting with others about your games as self-play promotes quicker learning.

To get started with serious correspondence chess, a good email client program and internet access are paramount. Beyond that, the recommendation is to use:

  • ECTOOL (Email Chess Tool): Created by Andres Valverde, ECTOOL is a highly recommended software for facilitating email chess. Available for only 17 Euros, it prevents notation errors and helps in organizing your games. A freeware version is available for a trial run before purchasing the full version;
  • ChessBase: A well-acclaimed database program beneficial for game research and more. Although the latest version might be expensive, earlier versions are much cheaper. If you’re on a tight budget, ChessBase Lite can be downloaded for free from the ChessBase site. Once you’re comfortable with it, you can opt for the full version.

Collection of Correspondence Chess Games

Collecting correspondence chess games is a sensible next step. Why? Because it greatly aids in your research. You can download tens of thousands of free games from IECC, IECG, and ICCF. For larger collections, Tim Harding’s MegaCorr data CD offers hundreds of thousands of correspondence chess games along with tons of other intriguing content. Always opt for the latest available version.

Preparing for Your First Tournament


Once you’ve signed up for a tournament with your chosen organization, use the waiting period wisely. Familiarize yourself with the playing rules as you’ll be expected to know them. They will answer most of your initial questions. Also, plan for the openings you’ll play – stick with what you’re comfortable with!

Bonus Tips


As a rule of thumb, avoid dealing with too many games simultaneously. Start with one or two small tournaments until you get the hang of managing your game load. Everyone makes mistakes, and it’s an integral part of the learning process. Embrace them and learn from them. Enjoy your journey in correspondence chess and the new friendships it brings!

Conclusion


Exploring the realm of correspondence chess can indeed seem challenging at first, but with the right guidance and tools, it transforms into an exciting and enriching experience. This comprehensive guide has set the stage for both beginners and those looking to elevate their game.

The guide delineated the major organizations where players can commence their journey, with a definitive comparison on their offerings. It also navigated through the debate around the use of computer-engine assistance, providing clarity on its reception among different chess clubs.

It spotlighted the essential tools to enhance gameplay and prevent blunders, with a special mention of the ECTOOL and ChessBase. The guide stressed the importance of collecting past correspondence chess games for effective research and preparation.

The path to your first tournament might seem daunting, but the guide assures a steady progression with its helpful tips and recommendations. It emphasized the importance of familiarizing oneself with the rules, strategizing the openings, and more importantly, embracing and learning from the inevitable mistakes.

As we conclude, remember, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player honing your skills, the journey of correspondence chess is as much about the joy of the game and the friendships formed along the way as it is about perfecting your strategic prowess. It is this balance that makes the world of correspondence chess universally appealing and continually exciting. Take the plunge, embrace the challenges, and most importantly, enjoy the game. Happy gaming!

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