Rules & Guidelines

Rules and Instructions: Setting the Board for Fair and Fun Play

To ensure our games honor the spirit of correspondence chess we adhere closely, however, not completely, to the The International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF) rules . These rules promote fairness, courtesy, and enjoyment, allowing ample time for life's interruptions while keeping the game moving. Here's how we get started and play by the book:

1. Getting Started: Joining the Fray

Registration and Matching: Upon receipt of this letter, please go online to PenPalChess.com and register as a member (free), include your first name, last name initial, complete address, chess level (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) and a fun fact about yourself (e.g., "Avid gardener, hiker, etc"). You have been matched with your first Pen Pal and Chess opponent. The name and address will be printed on the postcards.
Supplies: Within your welcome pack are 30 sturdy postcards. These have been printed with your Pen Pal opponent’s address. Please include your return address and a stamp. Include your return address clearly. For recording games, maintain a personal scoresheet—we provide a template, but any notebook works.
Game Initiation: White (determined by random draw) sends the first postcard with the opening move. A sketch is optional but encouraged for visual delight. Black replies promptly, alternating thusly. All games start from the standard position: White's pieces on ranks 1-2, Black's on 7-8, with the board oriented so each player's nearest right-hand corner is light (white).

2. The Rhythm of Moves: Time Controls and Transmission

Time Limits: We favor games in which moves are made within 72 hours of postcard receipt and returned to the matched player within a total of 10 days. Games typically span 3-9 months, giving space for deep analysis and delightful detours.
Notation: Clarity is key! Employ standard algebraic notation (SAN): Files a-h (left to right from White's view), ranks 1-8 (bottom to top). Examples: "e4" for pawn to e4; "Nf3" for knight to f3; "Bxe5" for bishop captures on e5. Indicate check with "+", castling as "O-O" (kingside) or "O-O-O" (queenside), and promotion as "e8=Q". For ambiguities (e.g., two knights), specify file/rank (e.g., "N1f3"). Sketch the board if a move is complex—doodles welcome! Numeric notation (e.g., 5254 for knight from b1 to f3) is optional for precision.
Transmission Etiquette: Mail promptly via standard post. Include your full name, game reference (e.g., "Game #456: White vs. Elena"), and a personal note—share a poem, photo, or question to keep the friendship blooming. No engines or live consultations; analysis is solitary, drawing from books or memory, per ICCF's "Amici Sumus" (We are friends) ethos of honorable play.

3. Claims, Draws, and Endgames: Resolving with Grace

Draw Offers: Propose a draw by appending "=" to your move (e.g., "d5=") and a friendly note. Opponent accepts by playing "= [move]" or declines with a standard reply. Per Sofia rules, no draws before move 30 without significant play (e.g., no immediate repetitions).
Claims: For repetition (same position three times), 50-move rule (no captures/pawn moves), or tablebase endgames (7 pieces or fewer), notify your moderator with move list and proof (e.g., scoresheet scan). We'll verify and declare accordingly—no need for postal drama! Stalemate or insufficient material? Game draws automatically.
Forfeits and Disputes: If no move in 40 days, opponent may claim win via moderator (with evidence of prior reminders). Illegal moves? Revert to the last legal position, with a gentle warning. All disputes go to our neutral Tournament Director (TD), whose decisions echo ICCF fairness: logical, impartial, and swift. Penalties for misconduct (e.g., rudeness) range from warnings to temporary pauses—remember, we're here for joy, not jeopardy.
Game Conclusion: Upon checkmate, resignation (noted as "1-0" or "0-1"), or draw, exchange final cards with full PGN (Portable Game Notation) for records. We'll log results for our informal ratings and newsletter shoutouts.

4. Community Guidelines: The Heart of Our Play

"Amici Sumus" in Action: Treat every correspondent as a friend—kind words only, no trash-talk. Share cultures respectfully; if language barriers arise, simple English or diagrams suffice.
Privacy and Safety: Addresses shared only with partners; opt out anytime. Report concerns confidentially.
Integrity: No collusion, engines, or external aid during games. For deeper dives, explore ICCF's resources at iccf.com. These guidelines ensure our games are as equitable as they are engaging, letting the chess—and the chatter—shine.