ICCF

The International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF) is the global governing body for correspondence chess, founded in 1951 as a successor to the International Correspondence Chess Association. With over 90 member federations, ICCF organizes world championships, team events, and individual tournaments where players communicate their moves through dedicated servers or email.

ICCF maintains its own rating system and awards official titles including Grandmaster (GM), Senior International Master (SIM), International Master (IM), and Lady International Master (LIM). All ICCF titles, championships, and ratings are recognized by FIDE, the world chess federation. The organization works closely with FIDE while maintaining its independence as the authority on correspondence play.

Correspondence chess offers a unique experience where players can analyze positions deeply, consult databases, and take days or even weeks per move. ICCF has adapted over the decades from postal mail to email to its modern server-based platform, making international competition accessible to chess enthusiasts around the world.