One of the many benefits with being a member of the US Chess Federation (US Chess) is being able to participate in Correspondence Chess (CC) events which are all rated. We offer events which are played by exchanging moves with your opponent through the post office as well as events in which you correspond with your opponent using e-mail or web servers!

The US Chess CC events described below are rated and open to all US Chess members who reside on the North American continent, islands, and Hawaii, as well as US Chess members with an APO/FPO address. US Chess members who reside off of the North American Continent, can play in any of the e-mail events. Membership and entry fee payments must be paid in U.S. Dollars. All players must keep their US Chess membership current for the duration of their participation in the event.

If you enter an event which is played by sending moves through the post office but find that your opponent and you agree to use e-mail, you must exchange a clearly written agreement and notify the Correspondence Chess Director (CCD) in writing.

Newcomers are welcome for most events. We do ask that upon entry you estimate your playing strength so we can pair you accordingly.

• Class A: (1800 - 1999) = Very Strong
• Class B: (1600 - 1799) = Strong
• Class C: (1400 - 1599) = Intermediate
• Class D: (1399 - below) = Novice

Note: Sometimes pairing levels are broadened: 0000-1499; 1500-1799; 1800-2000+

 

We also offer a Master rating category which a player can achieve through actual CC play with USCF.

• Candidate Master = 2000 - 2199
• Master = 2200 - 2399
• Senior Master = 2400 - higher

 

JOHN W. COLLINS CLASS TOURNAMENTS:
A $7.00 entry fee enters you into a tournament with three other players near your own class, (0000-1499; 1500-1799; 1800-2000+). You play two games simultaneously with each opponent (one White/one Black) using one set of postcards, for a total of six games. First place finishers receive a certificate signed by John W. Collins, suitable for framing.

TROPHY QUADS:
You can win a trophy as a reminder of your correspondence chess success! The entry fee is $10.00. You would be paired with three other players of near your same rating strength (0000-1499; 1500-1799; 1800-2000+) and play two games with each opponent (one White/one Black) for a total of six games. Games are played simultaneously. First place finishers in each quad win a trophy!

CORRESPONDENCE MAIL MATCHES:
If you would like to play against one opponent but have the option of playing two or six games, why not enter a match? If you need an opponent, we'll find you one around your same playing strength. Entry fee for each player, regardless of how many games, is $5.00 per person.

VICTOR PALCIAUSKAS PRIZE TOURNMENTS:
Players entering must pay an entry fee of $25.00. A current US Chess membership is required to play in this event. Each seven player tournament is within a rating level:

• 1399 and below (novice)
• 1400-1699 (Class C)
• 1700-1999 (Class A/B)
• 2000+ (Master)

If you are an unrated player please estimate your approximate strength. You cannot choose Master level is you are unrated. You play one game with each one of your six opponents (three White/three Black) for a total of six games. Winner of the tournament receives a cash prize of $130.00 and a certificate signed by Victor!

 

2020 GOLDEN KNIGHTS CHAMPIONSHIP: (Entries open January 1, 2020 thru December 31, 2020)

Entry fee: $25.00; players cannot enter more than 10 times.

Enjoy the excitement of competing in our 73^rd Annual Golden Knights Championship. This event can offer three rounds of competition for those who score 4 1/2 or more in each round. For those who score less than 4 1/2 in the Preliminary round will receive a gift certificate valued at $7.00. For those who do not score 4 1/2 or more in the Semifinal round receive a certificate suitable for framing. For the Preliminary and Semifinal rounds, if no player within the seven player group scores 4 1/2 or more, those with 4 are advanced. For those who complete all three rounds, no forfeit losses, they will receive a Golden Knights pin and can possibly win prize money depending on their weighted-point score.

This years US Chess 2020 Golden Knights Championship has a prize fund of $2,300.00 which is based on 200 entries which is distributed among the top 10 places as follows:

First Place: $800.00 plus title of 2020 Golden Knights Champion and plaque. Second: $ 500.00 Third: $ 300.00 Fourth-Tenth: $ 100.00 each

To view the Special Rules for the 2020 Golden Knights Championship which is the US Chess 62^nd Championship, please go to: Special Rules for 2020 Golden Knights.

 

PLAY CHESS with US Chess USING E-MAIL:
For these e-mail event, moves are exchanged between players using e-mail. We do expect players to retain a paper copy of each move transmission so each game will be sufficiently documented should it be needed. Prizes awarded for these events are in the form of credit vouchers which can be used to enter US Chess CC events. Credit voucher cannot be used towards membership renewal. (Exception: E-Knights prizes after the third round will be cash prizes.)

2020 ELECTRONIC KNIGHTS CHAMPIONSHIP: (Entries open January 1, 2020 thru December 31, 2020)

Entry fee is: $25.00; players cannot enter more than 10 times.

Enjoy the excitement of competing in our 17^th Annual E-Knights Championship. This event can offer three rounds of competition for those who score 4 1/2 or more in each round. For those who score less than 4 1/2 in the Preliminary round will receive a gift certificate valued at $7.00. For those who do not score 4 1/2 or more in the Semifinal round receive a certificate suitable for framing. For the Preliminary and Semifinal rounds, if no player within the seven player group scores 4 1/2 or more, those with 4 are advanced. For those who complete all three rounds, with no forfeit losses, they will receive a US Chess pin and can possibly win prize money depending on their weighted-point score.

The US Chess 2020 Electronic Knights Championship (mirrors the Golden Knights Championship structure but all games are played using email) has a prize fund of $2,300.00 which is based on 200 entries which is distributed among the top 10 places as follows:

First Place: $800.00 plus title of 2020 Electronic Knights Champion and plaque Second: $500.00 Third: $300.00 Fourth:-Tenth: $100.00 each

To view the Special Rules for the 2020 Electronic Knights Championship which is the US Chess 17^th Annual E-Knights Championship, please go to: Special Rules for 2020 Electronic Knights.

 

LIGHTNING MATCHES:
$5.00 entry fee per person. You can enter with your own opponent or we will locate one for you. Players have the option of making their match twoor six games. If USCF finds you an opponent we would try to have them compatible with your chess ability.

WALTER MUIR E-QUADS: (webserver chess)
Entry fee is $7.00 per person in these four player, double-round robin quads with class level pairings. You play both games simultaneously (one white/one black) with each of three opponents. First place winner receives a certificate suitable for framing.

SWIFT QUADS:
Entry fee is $10.00 per person in these four player, double-round robin quads. You play both games with each opponent simultaneously. First place winner receives credit valued at $30.00 to use towards entering more CC Tournaments. Newcomers are welcome but please remember to estimate your chess strength! Rating pairings for this event are as follows:

• 0000-1499 Novice/unrated
• 1500-1799 Class B/C
• 1800-2000+ Master/Class A

 

Rules for all of these events are posted here. They can also be obtained from US Chess, PO Box 3967, ATTN: Joan DuBois, Crossville, TN 38557.

You can enter these tournaments in our Online tournament and membership store. Payment can also be sent to US Chess. You can also call 1-800-903-USCF (8723) or fax your charge card order to: 931.787.1200 (US Chess office). If you have any questions related to these events, rules, game results, etc., please contact our Correspondence Chess Director Alex Dunne, PO Box 367, Sayre, PA 18840 or email Alex at: [email protected].