In short: Chess at a distance with long thinking time, often several days per move. The moves used to be sent by mail; today they usually go through a server.
Correspondence chess is played between players who don't sit at the same table. The moves used to go by mail, and a move could take days to arrive. Today most of it is played on a server, where the move arrives at once. But the time control is as it always was: it is counted in days, not minutes.
A game takes time
A common time control is 50 days for 10 moves. With that, a game can go on for months, sometimes for years. So many correspondence players play in several tournaments at the same time and have many games going at once.
The long time makes it a different game. Every move can get the time it needs, and no chess clock is needed.
Who organizes it?
Internationally, correspondence chess is run by the ICCF, the International Correspondence Chess Federation, founded in 1951. The ICCF organizes tournaments and world championships and awards its own titles to correspondence players.
Correspondence chess on LaviChess
On LaviChess our correspondence games are called Correspondence. You play a friend, with one, three or seven days per move. You make your move when it suits you, and the game waits until your opponent has replied.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a correspondence game take?
Often several months, sometimes years. With 50 days for 10 moves, a game can go on for several years.
Who organizes correspondence chess?
Internationally the ICCF, the International Correspondence Chess Federation, which runs tournaments and world championships and awards its own titles.
Updated November 14, 2026