ICCF stands for the International Correspondence Chess Federation. It is an organization that promotes and governs correspondence chess at an international level. Correspondence chess involves playing chess through the exchange of moves via postal mail, email, or online platforms, as opposed to over-the-board play.
The ICCF was founded in 1951 and is recognized by the FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs), the international governing body for chess. It serves as the world's leading authority in the field of correspondence chess, organizing and overseeing various tournaments and events.
The ICCF provides a platform for chess players from around the world to compete and communicate with each other through correspondence chess. It strategically plans and manages international tournaments and championships, including the World Correspondence Chess Championship, where players from different countries compete to earn the prestigious title.
To ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the games, the ICCF has established strict rules and guidelines for correspondence chess. These include time controls, move verification procedures, and monitoring player activities to prevent cheating.
The ICCF also promotes the use of technology to facilitate correspondence chess games, providing online platforms for players to submit and receive moves electronically. This has significantly sped up the pace of correspondence chess and made it more accessible to players, regardless of their geographical location.
In summary, the International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF) is an international organization that governs, organizes, and promotes correspondence chess worldwide. It provides a platform for players to compete, communicate, and participate in prestigious tournaments, adhering to strict rules and utilizing technology to enhance the correspondence chess experience.
