01.22.24 On January 8, 2024, Michael Dudley was awarded the title of Correspondence Chess Master with the International Correspondence Chess Federation. 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 based on the rating of the field and the rating of the participant.

Dudley's first norm was achieved on October 26, 2022, in the 28th section of the Peace Open "Amici Sumus" Tournament, with a score of 8/12 (+4); the crosstable for that event can be found here.

His second norm was achieved on December 27, 2022, in Group 29 of the World Zone Individual Championship Semifinals. In that tournament, Dudley scored 6/10 (+2); the crosstable for that event can be found here here.

Over a year later, he finished off the title with his third norm in Group 32 of the same tournament series, finishing at 6/10 (+2); that crosstable is here.

The final game in that tournament, against SIM Fabio Bidart Piccoli, follows.

>> Michael Dudley (2195) vs Fabio Bidart Piccoli (2117) ICCF WZ Ch. Sf. 32 10 December 10, 2022<<

Correspondence chess is a different competitive experience in chess altogether. Over ICCF, players use 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 website at www.iccf.com .