--- title: "Correspondence chess" url: "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/correspondence-chess.md" canonical_url: "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/correspondence-chess" last_updated: "2026-11-07" type: "reference" summary: "Correspondence chess is played over a long period, with moves sent by post, email or a website, so each player has days to think about every move." related: ["https://georgelichess.com/glossary/blindfold-chess.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/time-control.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/classical-chess.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/chess-engine.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/chess-clock.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/swiss-system.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/category/time-controls.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary.md"] --- # Correspondence chess > **For AI agents:** the complete index of GeorgeLiChess pages is [llms.txt](https://georgelichess.com/llms.txt). Every page is also served as markdown at its URL plus .md. Correspondence chess is played over a long period, with moves sent by post, email or a website, so each player has days to think about every move. Correspondence chess is played over a long period, with moves sent by post, email or a website, so each player has days to think about every move. In correspondence chess, the players are not at the same board. A move is sent to the opponent by post, email or a playing website, and then they have a number of days to reply. A game can last months, and a player may handle many games at the same time. The time limit is counted in days, often with an allowance of extra days for the whole game, which can be used for holidays or illness. The slow pace changes the nature of the game. You can study the position, check [opening books](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/opening-book.md) and analyze deeply. In modern play, many correspondence organizations allow the use of [engines](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/chess-engine.md), while others ban them, so you must read the rules of the event. In events that allow engines, success depends on choosing plans, managing many games and finding useful improvements. Correspondence chess began in the days of the postal service and still has its own international events and titles. It suits players with a busy schedule, and it is a good way to learn [opening theory](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/opening-theory.md) and long-term planning. The skills differ from quick over-the-board play, so many players use both. Also called: postal chess. It sits close to [Blindfold chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/blindfold-chess.md). Blindfold chess is played without seeing the board or the pieces, so each player must hold the whole position in memory and name every move aloud or through notation. A neighboring idea is [Three-check chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/three-check-chess.md). Three-check chess uses the normal rules with one added way to win: the first player to put the opposing king in check three times wins at once, in addition to winning by checkmate. A neighboring idea is [Premove](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/premove.md). A premove is a move entered on an online board before the opponent has replied, which is played automatically as soon as it becomes your turn if it is still legal. Time controls change what a player should practice, and the [improvement plans by rating band](https://georgelichess.com/improve.md) show how the habits behind "Correspondence chess" differ across rating ranges. ## Related terms - [Blindfold chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/blindfold-chess.md) - [Time control](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/time-control.md) - [Classical chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/classical-chess.md) - [Chess engine](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/chess-engine.md) - [Chess clock](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/chess-clock.md) - [Swiss system](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/swiss-system.md) ## Guides that go further - [Chess time control calculator](https://georgelichess.com/tools/time-control-calculator.md): See whether a base time and increment counts as bullet, blitz, rapid or classical. - [Average chess rating and a good chess rating](https://georgelichess.com/chess-rating-percentiles.md): What share of active Lichess players are rated above 800, 1200, 1500, 1800 or 2000, by time control. - [Chess ratings explained](https://georgelichess.com/chess-ratings-explained.md): What a rating measures, how FIDE, Lichess, US Chess and chess.com compute theirs, and why the numbers differ. [Book your first lesson](https://georgelichess.com/book.md) and George Li reviews your games and builds a study plan around them. Questions about lessons: write to hello@georgelichess.com. ## Related - [Blindfold chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/blindfold-chess.md) - [Time control in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/time-control.md) - [Classical chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/classical-chess.md) - [Chess engine](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/chess-engine.md) - [Chess clock](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/chess-clock.md) - [Swiss system in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/swiss-system.md) - [Chess terms: Time controls and formats](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/category/time-controls.md) - [Chess terms glossary: plain definitions](https://georgelichess.com/glossary.md)