English Federation for Correspondence Chess

The ICCF National Federation for England

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New Title

The player Dennis Broadway with ICCF ID 212469 has achieved enough norms to receive the title of ICCF Correspondence Chess Master. Congratulations.


 

England Players in Candidates Events

We wish England players success in the World Championship Candidates;

Ian Pheby in Section 1 - Cross Table (iccf.com)

John Pugh in Section 2 - Cross Table (iccf.com)

Alan Rawlings in Section 3 - Cross Table (iccf.com)


 

England Players in Preliminaries of World Championship

We wish all English players good luck in the world Championship preliminaries;

Robert Marks in section 5 - Cross Table (iccf.com)

Alan Rawlings in section 3 - Cross Table (iccf.com)


 

New Title

The player Valerie Craven with ICCF ID 210605 has achieved enough norms to receive the title of ICCF Correspondence Chess Master. Congratulations.


 

2024 EFCC Medals Tournaments

It is not too late to enter the 2024 EFCC Medals tournaments! The closing date for entries is 15th March 2024. Entry may be made through the Online Fee Payment in the left hand column (please quote “Medals”). The entry fee is only £3.00.

The ICCF standard time control of 10 moves in 40 days with duplication after 20 days will be used. 45 days of leave per year are available to each player. Players cannot agree to a draw before move 25. All games are ICCF rated.

Entries received to date are as follows:

Current EFCC Medals Tournaments Entrants List
Name   Title   ICCF Number
Roberts Stephen   212579
Herman Tom CCM 212544
Pheby Ian M. SIM 210514
Farmer Michael 212638
Gardner Allan CCE 211403
Jefferson N.W. CCE 210845
Kitson Keith SIM 210569
Mason Ian J. CCM 219137
Morton Peter S. 210477
Richardson David 219123
Anthony A. Roberts CCM 211118
Smyth Sandy 211569
Sutton Alan B. CCE 210709
Pooley Mark C. 211254
Nierobisz Jim CCM 211586
Beckett Phillip J.   210454
Tymms J.D.M. 211163
Ruffle Alan 212191
Low Mark 213297
Elwood David 211643
Brotherton Trevor S. CCM 210823
McDermott Frank J. CCM 212397
Ellis Les IM 211229
Marchant Arnold CCM 210690
Craven Valerie CCM 210605

The tournaments are due to start in April 2024. The full Rules can be seen under "EFCC Medals Tournaments” in the left-hand Menu of this website.

Ian M Pheby
EFCC President


 

4th English Championship Semi-Final B is finished!

The 4th English Championship Semi-Final B has now finished. Congratulations to Nigel Norman for winning this tournament with a score of 8 out of 12 points, and to Keith Franks who finished in second place with 7½ out of 12 based upon more won games from James Toon who also scored 7½ points.

Nigel and Keith are therefore entitled to enter the Championship Final of the 5th ECCC which is due to start in March 2025.

Ian M Pheby
EFCC President


AGM 2024 Agenda

ENGLISH FEDERATION FOR CORRESPONDENCE CHESS

Agenda for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held on Saturday 16th March 2024 in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire

1. Apologies for Absence
2. Minutes of the Last Meeting (18th March 2023)
3. Matters Arising
4. General Secretary’s Report (John)
5. International Secretary’s Report (Phill)
6. Treasurer’s Report (Ian P)
7. Proposals to Amend the EFCC Constitution – March 2024 (Ian P)
8. Election of Officers :-
    President
    Deputy President
    General Secretary
    International Secretary
    Treasurer
    Auditor
9. Any Other Business
10.Date of Next Meeting

John Rhodes 10th February 2024


Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Executive Committee Meeting (EC) of the English Federation for Correspondence Chess will be held in Bedfordshire, on Saturday 16th March 2024.

If any EFCC Patrons have any questions or comments to raise at our AGM or EC Meetings, please email - contact@efcchess.org.uk by 24th February 2024.

John Rhodes, General Secretary


New Title

The title ICCF Correspondence Chess Master awarded to player Jim Nierobisz with ICCF ID 211586 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.


 

Rematch against USA

We recently narrowly beat the USA in a 105 board match. The rematch is now set up and play will start soon!

Cross Table (iccf.com)


 

Scottish Leagues

We have six England teams in the Scottish League

In Division 1 England A and B - Cross Table (iccf.com)

In Division 2 England C and D - Cross Table (iccf.com)

In Division 3 England E and F - Cross Table (iccf.com)


 

Contemporary System Choices

An article written by SIM Keith Kitson on the setup of a computer system for chess play and analysis.

Available to be viewed and/or downloaded here - Contemporary_System_Choices.pdf (3mb)


EFCC Correspondent Magazine - Issue 3

Mickey Blake has published the latest issue of 'EFCC Correspondent'.

The 3rd edition of this very high quality magazine can be viewed and/or downloaded here - Correspondent_003.pdf (21mb)

Want future issues delivered straight to your Inbox ?

Contact Mickey Blake by Email here to place yourself on the mailing list.


BCCA AMALGAMATES WITH THE EFCC

On 25th November 2023 the British Correspondence Chess Association (BCCA) decided to request to amalgamate with the English Federation for Correspondence Chess (EFCC). The EFCC held an Extraordinary General Meeting on 6th January 2024 to discuss "Ratification of the BCCA request to amalgamate with the EFCC.". The EFCC EGM ratified the BCCA request, and therefore with effect from 6th January 2024 the EFCC has amalgamated with the BCCA.

How will this affect the EFCC?

1. The EFCC will be offering some new tournaments with prize money, namely:

EFCC Medal tournaments
EFCC Continuous tournament
EFCC William Mason Championship

Details about these tournaments and how to enter, all of which will be ICCF rated, will appear on the EFCC website and will be sent to all English flagged players.

The EFCC will also continue to offer the English Correspondence Chess Championship (ECCC) and the English Veterans’ Correspondence Chess Championship (EVCCC) as usual.

2. The EFCC will be offering three English titles: EFCC Senior Master title (ESM), EFCC Master title (EM), and EFCC Candidate Master title (ECM). Details of these titles and the criteria to obtain these titles will be published on the EFCC website soon.

3. The EFCC intends to publish a calendar of its tournaments and other important dates in due course.

4. All English flagged players will be able to participate in the new tournaments and obtain English titles.

I hope that all English flagged players will take up the opportunity to play in the above tournaments.

Ian M Pheby
EFCC President
January 2024


Announcement for the 2024 EFCC Medals tournaments

The English Federation of Correspondence Chess (EFCC) is pleased to announce that the 2024 EFCC Medals tournaments will be held which will start in April 2024. All English flagged players are invited to enter this new tournament!

The entry fee is £3 and should be made through the Online Fee Payment facility at the EFCC website. Please use “Medals” as your reference.

There shall be three levels of tournament with all standards of player catered for. The games will be played on the ICCF webserver, and there will be no end date.

The ICCF standard time control of 10 moves in 40 days with duplication after 20 days will be used. 45 days of leave per year are available to each player. Players cannot agree to a draw before move 25. All games are ICCF rated.

Prizes

EFCC Gold Medal tournament: Winner receives an engraved medal and £20 in prize money.

EFCC Silver Medal tournament. Winner receives an engraved medal and £15 in prize money.

EFCC Bronze Medal tournament. Winner receives an engraved medal and £10 in prize money.

The full Rules can be seen under "Medals Tournaments” in the left-hand Menu of the EFCC website or click here : EFCC Medals Tournament Rules

The closing date for entries is 15th March 2024. Pairings will be issued as soon as possible after that date.

All English chess players are heartily invited to enter this tournament, both for the enjoyment of the games and for friendly contact/communication.

Tournament Organiser: Ian M Pheby -


Announcement for the EFCC Continuous tournament

The English Federation of Correspondence Chess (EFCC) is pleased to announce that the EFCC Continuous tournament will be held which will start as soon as sufficient entries are received (see below). All English flagged players are invited to enter this new tournament!

This tournament will be run in three stages: preliminary, semi-final and final. Preliminary groups will consist of four players, double round all-play-all, with the winner (with a plus score) progressing to the next semi-final. Semi-final groups will consist of six players, double round all-play-all, with the winner (with a plus score) progressing to the next final which would consist of nine players, single round.

Winners will be determined using all ICCF tie breaks (where there is a multiple tie after all tie breaks have been applied all players will qualify).

The entry fee is £4 per preliminary group entered, and there is no additional entry fee for a semi-final or final. Players may enter as many preliminary groups as they wish.

All players will start in a preliminary group and there will be no seeding. Entry should be made through the Online Fee Payment facility at the EFCC website. Please use “CT” as your reference.

The ICCF Triple Block time control will be used in all group, with 350 days in the Preliminary and Semi Final groups, and 550 days in a final. All games are ICCF rated.

Cash prizes will be available at each of the three stages. Preliminary stage winners receive £10. Semi-final stage winners receive £25. In the final the prizes are £200, £100, and £50.

The full Rules can be seen under "Continuous Tournament” in the left-hand Menu of the EFCC website or click here : EFCC Continuous Tournament Rules

Pairings will be issued as soon as sufficient entries have been received to start a new group.

All English chess players are heartily invited to enter this tournament, both for the enjoyment of the games and for friendly contact/communication.

Tournament Organiser: Keith Kitson -


Extraordinary General Meeting

The EFCC Executive Committee announce that an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) shall be held on 6th January 2024 at 1:00pm as a Zoom meeting. Eligible players wishing to attend the meeting should register their interest with the EFCC Secretary, John Rhodes, by no later than 16th December 2023. Email John Here

The business of the EGM shall be "Ratification of the BCCA request to amalgamate with the EFCC.".

The EFCC Secretary will inform registered players of the Zoom address in due course.

John Rhodes, General Secretary


4th EVCCC Tournament Now Open for Entries

The English Federation For Correspondence Chess (EFCC) is pleased to announce the Fourth EVCCC will commence on 5th March 2024.
It is open only to those players who:

  • are aged 60 years or over on the date the tournament starts
  • and are registered or able (in the case of new players) to be registered to play under the England flag in the ICCF.
  • The full Rules, tournament structure, eligibility, prizes etc. can be seen under "English Veterans CC Championship (EVCCC)" on the EFCC website here : EVCCC Webpage.

    Entries should be received by 1st February 2024 with a fee of £13.00 by cheque or online at the EFCC website. Entries may be made by PayPal through this website quoting “EVCCC”. Alternatively, cheques made payable to “EFCC” should be sent to :
    Keith Kitson 39 Carters Close, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG2 9QA.

    Pairings will be issued as soon as possible after the closing date for entries.

    The adjudication date shall be 31st December of the 2nd year of play, which allows approximately 21½ months of playing time.

    Tournament Organiser: Keith Kitson

    Current EVCCC Entrants List
    Name   Title   ICCF Number
    Beckett Phillip   210454
    Hooker Stephen CCE 213068
    Pheby Ian SIM 210514
    Roberts Stephen   212579
    Toon James CCE 213245
    Vivante-Sowter John SIM 210953
    Blake Michael J. CCM 210717
    Marchant Arnold CCM 210690
    Kitson Keith SIM 210569
    Knapton Geoff 212357
    Nierobisz Jim CCM 211586
    Cowan Alastair CCM 212819
    Anthony Roberts CCM 211118
    Pooley Mark C. 211254
    Shaw Dene 213090
    Clark David 213133
    Herriot Brian CCE 211523
    Batchelor Paul A. CCM 211958
    Asquith Jerry SIM 211062
    Franks Keith CCE 211552
    Sutton Alan B. CCE 210709
    Gardner Allan CCE 211403
    Ruffle Alan 212191
    Carey Graeme 212954


     

    Preliminaries of Olympiad 23

    The Team to represent England in the Olympiad Preliminaries is as follows;

    Harvey Williamson, Leslie Eastoe, Gary Maguire, John Rhodes, Phil Eastlake and John Pugh.

    The team is ranked 4th in the section and we need to finish in the top two to qualify for the final.

    Follow their progress - Cross Table (iccf.com)


     

    English players in M.Avotins Memorial Events

    We wish our players good luck in these M.Avotins Memorial Events;

    Harvey Williamson in Section A - Cross Table (iccf.com)

    Mark Eldridge in Section B - Cross Table (iccf.com)

    Keith Kitson in Section C - Cross Table (iccf.com)

    Robert Różański in Section D - Cross Table (iccf.com)


     

    Seasonal Greetings!

    As we approach the festive season I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all of England’s players and their families for a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year. I hope that 2024 will prove to be a better year for everyone.

    I also hope that you enjoy success in your games in 2024 and beyond.

    Ian M Pheby, EFCC President


     

    Match Against Wales

    We have a new 42 board match against Wales. Follow the progress - Cross Table (iccf.com)


     

    Match v Japan

    We have a match against new opposition - Cross Table (iccf.com)


     

    England Fail to Qualify for European Final

    Despite not losing a game England failed to qualify for the final of European Team Championship.

    We drew every match and indeed every game!

    Cross Table (iccf.com)


     

    Philippines vs England Friendly Match Result

    England suffered a defeat in our friendly match against the Philippines - Cross Table (iccf.com)


     

    New Title

    The player Leslie K. G. Eastoe with ICCF ID 211880 has achieved enough norms to receive the title of ICCF International Master. Congratulations.


     

    New Title

    The player Mike Richardt with ICCF ID 212207 has achieved enough norms to receive the title of ICCF International Master. Congratulations.


     

    New Title

    The player Alastair Cowan with ICCF ID 212819 has achieved enough norms to receive the title of ICCF Correspondence Chess Master. Congratulations.


     

    England v Mexico

    England defeated by Mexico in friendly match - Cross Table (iccf.com)

    We have issued a challenge for a rematch !


     

    So Close

    Les Ellis was so close to the next stage of the world championship. Needing a top two finish he finished in third place on tie break!

    Cross Table (iccf.com)


     

    New Title

    The player David Hamilton with ICCF ID 211621 has achieved enough norms to receive the title of ICCF Correspondence Chess Master. Congratulations.


     

    Joint Winners in Pomeroy Section B

    Joint winners in EFCC Ray Pomeroy Memorial B.
    Robert Rozanski and James Toon finished equal first. None of the tie breaks could split them!

    Cross Table (iccf.com)


     

    Congratulations on qualification for Senior Cup Final

    Senior Cup Final
    We wish Frank McDermott every success in the final of this highly competitive event

    Cross Table (iccf.com)


     

    MT- VV Demian B, Valer Vasile Demian Memorial B

    Congratulations to the EFCC president Ian Pheby on winning the event on tie break ahead of a strong field.

    Cross Table (iccf.com)


     

    Result EFCC Ray Pomeroy Memorial F

    Congratulations to Roy McCormick on winning one of the Ray Pomeroy Memorial sections.

    Cross Table (iccf.com)


     

    70th ICCF Jubilee Event for Officials - Ian Pheby

    EFCC president Ian Pheby with his silver medal and certificate from the A section for Officials.



    London v Edinburgh Match

    In a replay of the historic match London lost by a wide margin.

    Cross Table (iccf.com)


     

    New Title

    The player Jim Nierobisz with ICCF ID 211586 has achieved enough norms to receive the title of ICCF Correspondence Chess Expert. Congratulations.


     

    George Hollands RIP

    The EFCC is sad to announce the sudden death of George Hollands. We offer our condolences to his wife and young family.


     

    Welsh Success

    Welsh Team Win European Gold

    We congratulate our chess friends from Wales on their tremendous achievement in winning the European Championship. They were the lowest ranked team in the final.

    Well Done !

    Cross Table (iccf.com)


     

    England in World Team Semi-Final

    After two rounds of closely fought matches we can look forward to two closely fought matches against Spain - Cross Table (iccf.com)

    and Italy - Cross Table (iccf.com) .

    We are closely matched in terms of grading so we can expect two titanic struggles.


     

    Tim Spanton

    Photo of Tim Spanton - a member of the team which won the Bronze medals in the George Pyrich Memorial final.



    Tom Herman

    Photo of Tom Herman - a member of the team which won the Bronze medals in the George Pyrich Memorial final.



    Richard Webster

    Photo of Richard Webster - a member of the team which won the Bronze medals in the George Pyrich Memorial final.



    Dawn Williamson takes Silver in Women's World Championship

    In the last Women's World Championship Dawn Williamson took the Silver Medal finishing in a tie for second place. This was the last world Championship for Women as the ICCF has abolished gender specific events.

    Cross Table (iccf.com)


     

    England Players in World Championships Candidates Events

    We wish our players good luck in the Candidates events for the World Championship.

    Finishing in the top two will earn them a place in the World Championship Final.

    Richard Hall in Section 1 - Cross Table (iccf.com)

    Ian Pheby in Section 2 - Cross Table (iccf.com)

    Alan Rawlings in Section 3 - Cross Table (iccf.com)


     

    Mike Richardt

    Photo of Mike Richardt - a member of the team which won the Bronze medals in the George Pyrich Memorial final.



    New Title

    The player Jonathan Curry-Machado with ICCF ID 213237 has achieved enough norms to receive the title of ICCF Correspondence Chess Expert. Congratulations.


     

    New Title

    The title ICCF Correspondence Chess Master awarded to player George Hollands with ICCF ID 211994 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.


     

    Executive Committee Meeting

    Our next Executive Committee Meeting will be held on Saturday 14th October, 2023 in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.

    If any eligible EFCC members have anything that they would like discussed at our meeting, please email me at - contact@efcchess.org.uk by 23rd September 2023 at the latest.

    John Rhodes, General Secretary


    Entries received for the 2023-25 British CC Championship

    Is your name on this list?

    As of 29th August 2023 the following entries have been received so far for the 2023-25 British C.C. Championship:

    Peter Ackley, Matthew W. Bailey, Philip Barber, Paul A. Batchelor, Phillip J. Beckett, William Bishop, Trevor S. Brotherton, Graeme Carey, Steve Cole, Alastair Cowan, Valerie Craven, Matthew Cutler, Les Ellis, Allan Gardner, Oliver Graham, David J. Grobler, Terry Hart, Tom Herman, Gregory Hughes, Kay Joslin, Steve Law, Arnold Marchant, Ian J. Mason, Paul R. Munro, Jim Nierobisz, Andrew Pearce, Richard David Perrin, Kevin D. Plant, Eugene Raby, Alan J. C. Rawlings, Mike Richardt, Steven Roberts, Josh Robinson, Robert Różański, Alan Ruffle, Helen Sherwood, Russell Sherwood, Iain Sneddon, Alan B. Sutton, Kevin J. Thurlow, James Toon, John Vivante-Sowter, Marc R. Wakeham, Richard Ward, Francis Watson, Richard Webster, Ben A. Wood, Stephen Woodhouse.

    Note: from the current entries there is only 1 player rated over 2400 and 10 rated above 2360.

    If you entered last year and are considering entering this year, please do not leave it until the last minute. The closing date of the 31st August is looming, with only 2 days remaining. Your entry will not be valid if made after the 31st August.

    It is not too later to enter!

    To reiterate: Entries can be made directly to the Tournament Organiser, Keith Kitson or via the National Federation. Please note that these are the only entry routes for this event.

    The closing date for entries is 31st August 2023.

    Keith Kitson
    BCCC Tournament Organiser


     

    World Champion at ICCF Congress

    The current world champion Jon Edwards (USA) at the ICCF congress in Amsterdam.


     
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    Guide to Correspondence Chess

    This document, written by Neil Limbert, is an excellent introduction to correspondence chess for new players; download it from here.

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