In an era dominated by real-time online blitz games, grandmaster commentary streams, and AI-assisted training tools, one might assume that correspondence chess has faded into history replaced by the rapid-fire world of Chess.com or Lichess. But nothing could be further from the truth. Correspondence chess is not only alive, it thrives. And it continues to attract some of the most analytical, patient, and passionate chess minds from around the globe.

A Brief History of Correspondence Chess

Correspondence chess where players send moves across long distances and games take weeks, months, or even years to complete predates modern technology by centuries. Players once mailed postcards with a single move or sent telegrams across borders. Today, the International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF) is the world’s main portal for serious correspondence play, supported by a robust digital infrastructure. I remember when I was a kid in 90s to take postcards of my father to the post office. He was awarded Senior International Master ICCF and managed 1 norm GM before he passed away early in 2013. He was part of ICCF Gold Medal Olympiad team of Slovak Correspondence chess team.

 

 

Founded in 1951, the ICCF currently includes over 60 member countries, bringing together thousands of players across all skill levels. Among its most prestigious events are the ICCF World Championship, Olympiads (Team Tournaments), and the Master Norm tournaments that grant titles such as:

• IM (International Master)

• SIM (Senior International Master)

• GM (Grandmaster)

Make no mistake earning an ICCF GM title is no easier than its over-the-board (OTB) counterpart. In fact, it could be even harder. Why? Because in correspondence chess, players are allowed and even expected to use chess engines and databases as part of their analysis. And yet, it’s not about blindly following Stockfish or Leela's suggestions. The art lies in interpretation, preparation, and deep strategic understanding.

Opening Master CORR - The Ultimate Correspondence Archive

If there's one database that stands above the rest in the correspondence chess world, it's OM CORR by Opening Master. With over 2.2 million human correspondence chess games, it is the largest, cleanest, and most historically comprehensive archive of its kind with June 2025 update 2,257,785 chess games.

Spanning decades of play, OM CORR includes curated games from ICCF events, national correspondence championships, and elite title-seeking tournaments. This is not just a collection of engine-vs-engine battles. It’s a chronicle of human decision-making, strategic growth, and the pursuit of excellence in one of chess’s most intellectually demanding formats.

Correspondence players whether beginners or ICCF title contenders rely on OM CORR to study lines, understand deeply annotated positions, and prepare their own novelties. The database is constantly updated and includes both classic postal-era games and modern digital ones, offering a full spectrum of styles and eras.

 

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Why Does Correspondence Chess Still Matter?

1. It’s a Different Kind of Chess

Unlike blitz or rapid, correspondence chess is a contemplative format. Each move can take days of thought, exploration, and engine-assisted refinement. It’s a format that rewards patience, creativity, and deep analysis.

2. It Offers Accessibility

For many players especially aging OTB competitors or those with limited travel options, correspondence chess offers a meaningful competitive outlet. No need for hotels, flights, or time zones. Just focused chess, wherever you are.

3. It’s Historically Rich

There’s a unique nostalgia to correspondence chess. It connects the present generation of players to the legends of the past, those who waited weeks for a reply, yet played games that became theory-shaping classics.

4. It Develops Real Understanding

Using engines doesn't reduce correspondence chess to machine mimicry. On the contrary, it teaches players to think critically about why an engine suggests something and whether it actually fits the player’s goals or long-term plans. You can’t fake your way to a win in correspondence chess. History of OM CORR dates back to 90s where Alexander Horvath, founder of Opening Master collected all his and friends games and exchange various small databases with Brazilians, Argentinians, Romanians, Hungarians and basically all world. 

 

But Why Not Just Play Online Blitz?

Because correspondence chess is not a substitute, it’s a category of its own. Just like marathon running is not inferior to sprinting, it’s simply different. And for those who appreciate the nuance, depth, and legacy of chess, correspondence chess remains a sanctuary of high-level thought.

In a world moving at digital speed, correspondence chess invites us to slow down. To reflect. To dive deeper than ever before. And with tools like Opening Master OM CORR, the journey becomes all the richer.

So yes, correspondence chess still matters. And for many, it always will.

Opening Master chess database

Whether you’re a ICCF or FIDE trainer, a titled player, or a passionate student of the game, Opening Master gives you the tools to learn, grow, and prepare with confidence. After 25 years, we’re not slowing down. We’re evolving with the game, just like you.

If you’re serious about chess, trust the database that’s earned the respect of the global chess community. Opening Master - where every move matters.

Today, Opening Master is more than just a database; it’s a community that spans the globe, connects non-profits, funds projects or is official educational tool for Global FIDE. We provide monthly updates to players from Slovakia to the USA, Nigeria to Australia, Germany to the UK, and over 160+ countries. Our database is an invaluable resource for players, coaches, and enthusiasts at all levels.

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