03.02.2022 On February 28, 2022, MECA President Michael Dudley was awarded the title of Correspondence Chess Expert from the International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF). In order to receive this title, a player has to obtain two tournament norms in certain tournaments totaling at least 24 games, meeting a designated performance in each tournament. We extend our hearty congratulations!

Dudley's first norm was achieved on December 11, 2021, in the 18th section of the German 15th Anniversary Webserver Tournament, with a score of 5/10; the crosstable for that event can be found
>> here. <<

His second norm was achieved on 13 February 2021, sitting on Board Four in Section Three of the States and Regions Cup, as captain of team US East 1 with CCM Peter Dessaules, CCM Greg Henderson, and CCM James Ellis. The crosstable for that event can be found >> here. <<

In that tournament, Dudley scored 8.5/14 (+3), and US East 1 is currently in third place in the section.

Correspondence chess is a different competitive experience in chess altogether. ICCF allows the use of engines, databases, and opening books in conjunction with their own ideas to play with their opponents. The games that result are highly accurate and interesting, and while draws are incredibly common, opening choices and decisions about the middle and endgames can result in wins and losses. Players have to form a deep understanding of chess decision-making and how to execute plans at each level of the game, in addition to interpreting chess analysis.

Correspondence is a good way to connect with players from around the globe and gain deep intuition about openings, engine behavior and analysis, and endgame play. If you are interested in playing correspondence over ICCF or learning more about correspondence chess, contact Michael at mdudley@chessmaine.org or check out the ICCF site at www.iccf.com.