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the International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF) ratings for correspondence chess, which is played via mail/email/post), the checkboxes refer to official ICCF titles awarded to players based on performance norms in tournaments. These are distinct from over-the-board FIDE titles but follow a similar hierarchy. Here's a breakdown of each: Title Full Name Brief Description GM International Grandmaster The highest title, requiring exceptional performance (e.g., multiple n

Welcome to the PenPal Chess Community Dear future Penpal Chess Community Member, Welcome! We extend a warm invitation to you as a new member of the PenPalChess.com  community. In a world that often rushes by at breakneck speed, our community stands as a gentle reminder of the joys found in slower, more deliberate pursuits. Here, amidst the timeless squares of the chessboard, we—a vibrant gathering of adults from all walks of life—come together not just to sharpen our minds, b

Have you ever heard of the Shannon Number? If you read discussions online or talk about the complexity of Chess in person, you’ll likely hear about something called the Shannon Number. That’s what this article is about. One of the most common claims that you regularly hear getting thrown around about the Game of Kings is the idea that there is a nearly infinite number of games that are possible. When you look a little further into this, the term the Shannon number regularly

Originating around 1,500 years ago in India, chess is one of the most popular games in the world. Played on an 8×8 board, each side commands 16 pieces with distinct movement patterns. Victory is achieved by checkmate—placing the opponent’s king under attack with no possible escape. Today, chess is played by an estimated 600 million people both in person and online 1440 Findings Hours of research by our editors, distilled into minutes of clarity. Expand All Media Chess is play

In the quiet rhythm of a well-played game, where each move arrives like a thoughtful letter from an old friend, correspondence chess offers more than just strategy—it's a lifeline to vitality. For our senior community, this timeless pursuit—whether through the International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF) or cozy pen pal exchanges—blends mental gymnastics with the gentle art of connection. Picture it: a postcard from across the ocean, bearing a knight's bold leap and a