The International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF) represents the pinnacle of correspondence chess. Unlike over-the-board (OTB) chess, correspondence chess allows players to deliberate on their moves for days, weeks, or even months. The ICCF is the international body responsible for organizing, regulating, and promoting this unique form of the game.
ICCF Tournaments and Championships
ICCF World CC Championships
The ICCF hosts the World Correspondence Chess Championships (WCCC) through stages like Prelims and Semi-Finals, leading to the Candidates. Key preliminary groups include WCCC35PR08 led by Michael Egan, WCCC36PR02 by Paul Morley, and WCCC36PR09 by Craig Sadler, ensuring only top-tier players advance in this esteemed championship.
ICCF Olympiads
The 19th ICCF Olympiad, starting on 10 March 2011, featured teams from around the globe competing in postal correspondence chess. Representing Canada in Section 1 were IM Richard Labonté on Board 1, Dan Rotaru on Board 2, Pino Verde on Board 3, and Loving Akwei on Board 4, forming a robust line-up with high aspirations.
ICCF World Tournaments (WT) (Postal)
In the WT Master Class tournaments, Joseph Deidun, Sr. made his mark by leading three distinct events: WT/M/1081, WT/M/1084, and WT/M/1089. Notably, Joseph Deidun, Jr. took the helm in WT/M/1086, showcasing the family’s deep involvement in the game. Meanwhile, in the WT Open Class, Peter St-Louis emerged as a recurring figure, spearheading WT/O/115, WT/O/122, WT/O/124, and WT/O/126, while Ovide M. Robidoux championed WT/O/119. The array of tournaments signifies the vibrancy and competition within the correspondence chess community.
ICCF World Tournaments ICCF Server (WS)
In the WT Master Class (WS) tournaments, IM Serge Maurer stood out with his leadership in both WS/M/306 and WS/M/361. Paul Morley, another prominent figure, took the reins in WS/M/330 and WS/M/352, demonstrating consistency in his game. Arthur Prystenski brought his expertise to WS/M/357, adding to the depth of competition. Transitioning to the WT Open Class (WS), Franco Manarin led the charge in WS/O/461. Vas Sladek, showcasing his prowess, took the forefront in two consecutive events, WS/O/469 and WS/O/470. These tournaments highlight the diverse pool of talent in the world of correspondence chess.
ICCF World Cups (WC) (Postal)
During the 19th ICCF World Cup Diamond Jubilee’s preliminary stage, several players emerged as group leaders, showcasing their strategic prowess. Joseph Deidun, Sr. championed Group 7, bringing his vast experience to the forefront. Meanwhile, Peter St. Louis demonstrated his consistency and skill by leading both Group 1 and Group 4, further establishing his reputation in the correspondence chess community.
ICCF World Cups (WC) (ICCF Server – WS)
In the 4th ICCF Veterans World Cup preliminaries on the ICCF Server (WS), key leaders included Michael Hryniw (Group 6), Art Prystensk (Group 11), and Marvin Rosenhek (Group 31). The 18th ICCF World Cup Diamond Jubilee saw Vas Sladek leading Groups 16 and 50, Franco Manarin helming Groups 23 and 26, and Paul Morley in Group 40. These tournaments spotlight the diverse talent in ICCF correspondence chess.
ICCF Master Norm (MN) (WS)
In the ICCF Master Norm (MN) tournaments hosted on the ICCF Server (WS), several noteworthy players emerged as leaders in their respective events. Loving Akwei showcased his prowess by leading the WS/MN/069, while Paul Morley steered the strategies in WS/MN/075. Additionally, Michael Egan marked his dominance by heading the WS/MN/078. These events highlight the depth of talent and the competitive spirit of correspondence chess within the ICCF community.
ICCF Thematic Tournaments
The ICCF hosts WS Thematics on their server, focusing on specific chess openings and strategies. These thematic tournaments allow players to delve deep into particular game phases, fostering both learning and mastery in a specialized setting.
ICCF Sanctioned Invitationals (Memorials) & Others
The ICCF hosts a range of distinguished tournaments and events to cater to varied interests and skill sets. Among these are the ICCF WS Prize Money Tournament, where participants compete for monetary rewards, and the ICCF WS Blitz Tournament, an unrated fast-paced challenge for those seeking adrenaline-filled games. The 10th Pan/Am Team Tournament on the ICCF Server is another highlight, featuring teams like the Canada-Blue and Canada-Red, both showcasing individual performances that contribute to the overall team results. Additionally, chess enthusiasts can find detailed results in the CCCA-90 crosstable and the Walter Muir Memorial “B” crosstable, offering insights into players’ standings and progress.
Conclusion
The International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF) represents the pinnacle of correspondence chess, offering players the unique opportunity to deliberate on their moves over extended periods. The article has explored a wide range of ICCF tournaments and championships, highlighting the organization’s crucial role in promoting and regulating this form of chess. ICCF’s diverse events cater to various skill levels and interests, fostering competition and camaraderie within the world of correspondence chess.