chess with postcards

Correspondence Chess with Postcards: A Journey into the World of Chess

Correspondence chess, the art of playing chess over long distances, has a rich and fascinating history. One particularly intriguing era was when moves were exchanged via postcards. Before the advent of the internet and instant communication, playing chess by postcard was one of the most popular ways to engage with players worldwide. This was not just a test of intellectual skill but also a game of patience, with matches often spanning months or even years, requiring each move to be carefully thought out. But how did chess by postcard actually work, and why did it captivate chess enthusiasts across the globe?

The Origins of Correspondence Chess

The roots of correspondence chess stretch back to the 19th century. Initially, matches were often conducted via letters before postcards became a simpler and more affordable alternative. Around 1880, the first organized correspondence chess games between players in different cities were played by post. The introduction of the postcard, officially launched in 1869 in Austria-Hungary, provided an excellent means to send chess moves efficiently and inexpensively.

As the popularity of chess grew and postcards became more widespread, this method of playing gained traction. Correspondence chess clubs began to spring up, allowing players from different countries to connect and engage in games that could last for weeks, months, or even years. This method of playing became especially popular after World War II, serving as a way for people to maintain international connections and compete across borders.

How a Correspondence Chess Game by Postcard Worked

The process of playing chess by postcard was straightforward but time-consuming. Each player had a chessboard in front of them and recorded the opponent’s move on their own board to keep track of the game. Every postcard contained the move written in standard algebraic notation, such as "e2-e4," "Nf3," or "Bb5." Some players also added brief comments or personal greetings to the cards, making the exchange more intimate.

Once the move was noted and the postcard sent, the waiting began. Depending on the distance, it could take days or even weeks for the reply to arrive. This style of chess not only demanded strategic thinking but also a great deal of patience. However, it allowed players the luxury of deeply contemplating their moves without the pressure of a real-time match.

The Appeal of Correspondence Chess

What made playing chess by postcard so appealing? For many, it was the chance to connect with chess lovers from all over the world. The slow pace of the game gave players ample time to think deeply about their moves and dive into chess theory. In this sense, correspondence chess was often seen as more demanding than blitz chess, where quick decisions are essential.

Additionally, it allowed players to compete against opponents they would never have encountered otherwise, whether due to geographic or political barriers. During the Cold War, for example, correspondence chess became a symbol of international understanding, with numerous matches taking place between players from the Soviet Union and the West in a peaceful yet competitive spirit.

Correspondence Chess Organizations and Tournaments

As correspondence chess gained popularity, organizations were established to host tournaments and championships. The International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF), founded in 1951, remains the leading organization for correspondence chess today. Although most correspondence games are now played online, some players still prefer the traditional method of playing by mail.

Besides the ICCF, many national correspondence chess associations hosted tournaments and championships. In earlier times, winning such tournaments was a major achievement, as games often spanned years, and each move was made with meticulous consideration and care.

The End of an Era – The Rise of the Internet

With the rise of the internet in the 1990s, the era of correspondence chess by postcard began to fade. Electronic communication allowed players to exchange moves instantly, and online chess platforms made it easier than ever to compete against opponents from around the world.

Nevertheless, correspondence chess by postcard remains a fascinating chapter in the history of chess. It represents a time when the game was not only about tactics and strategy but also about patience and international exchange. Those who experienced this era often reminisce fondly about the thrill of receiving a postcard from a faraway land and immersing themselves in a slow yet intense match.

Playing correspondence chess by postcard is a relic of a time when chess players from around the world were connected through slow but steady communication. It was an era of thoughtful, patient gameplay where each move was carefully considered and pondered. While the internet has drastically changed the landscape of correspondence chess, the postcard era remains a romantic memory of how chess can connect people worldwide and foster a deep sense of global community.