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more information)
For tournament entries and supplies go to the ICCF-U.S. Store

August 13, 2008

ICCF TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

Dear chessfriends in all states and Federations!
We need your help!

To support the chess and correspondence chess in Africa the German Federation organizes a tournament for players all over the world. Every player has the right to announce himself to as many groups as he wants to. 9 players together build one group.

It is possible to play by server (ICCF), E-Mail or postal service. If possible every player will get opponents with nearly the same rating. It is guaranteed that each player will meet different opponents in different groups. We will try to create ladies groups if there are enough entries.

Everybody has the right to pay the amount of money that he wants to, but not less than 15,-- €. The whole money will be used to support the African chess and correspondence chess and will be given to “chess4all” under the Leadership of to Dr. Ole Jacobsen, Zonal Director Africa/Asia. The whole tournament will be rated by the ICCF. Norms are possible if the rating average will be high enough and enough players of different federations are playing. The winners will be given a present (books or souvenirs from West-Africa).

The tournament will start at the 20.09.2008. You should announce your entry to Mr. Hans-Jürgen Isigkeit, Arnold-Zweig-Strasse 70, D – 18435 Stralsund, Afrika@Fernschachbund.com or BdF@Isigkeit.net.

At the same time you are asked to send the fee to the following bank account: BdF, Commerzbank Uelzen, account: 5646500, bank code number: 258 400 48 or PayPal: bdf-paypal@gmx.de
Chessplayers from Africa can play for free!

Best regards,

Hans-Jürgen Isigkeit

Editor's Note:  I think Corky sums it up well... "The cause is good, although it seems like an odd event." So if you are looking for something different...

August 10, 2008

INTEREST POSTING FOR A JUNIOR WORLD CORRESPONDENCE CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP FOR YOUNG WOMEN

The International Correspondence Chess Federation is considering holding a World Championship for young women, and is asking anyone who is possibly interested to contact us so we can determine if there will be enough participants to schedule the event.

The event will be played on the ICCF webserver (www.iccf-webchess.com). Moves are made on a chessboard via drag and drop, an easy way to play, with the server sending the move to the opponent, and keeping track of moves, time used, and even sending reminders.

Any young woman who will have her 20th birthday after March 1, 2009 will be eligible to play, and is requested to send a note expressing your interest to schakels@comcast.net. Any questions will certainly be welcome. Details will be determined later, but there are no ICCF dues, and the entry fee for the recent Junior World Championship was 20 CHF, about $20. Time controls are typically 50 days for 10 moves.

Finally, I want to express heartfelt thanks to Susan Polgar for volunteering to post this note on her websites and blogs.

Press release issued by Corky Schakel ICCF-US Secretary

Editor's Note:  If you know of any young women chess players, this may be a chance to interest them in the Correspondence Chess community. So please pass this message on.

July 13, 2008 ... (Update 14 July - TC named)

ICCF-US Team Announced for Ladies Olympiad

The ICCF-US team has officially entered the Ladies Olympiad, with play scheduled to begin August 1. Roselie Estey, Janet Peterson, and Madge Smith, from the USA-Germany Friendly Match team, are joined by Nona Oldner, a junior player, just eleven years old. Janet has stepped up to fill the role of Team Captain... Thanks Janet. Good luck and good chess to our team!

Press release issued by Corky Schakel ICCF-US Secretary

July 13, 2008

Michael C. Proof is USA’s Newest IM and SIM

SIM Michael C. Proof
to enlarge

With his recent win in the ‘9th Pan American Team Championship’ vs. IM Carlos Sosa Patino (PER), Michael Proof has earned the ICCF Senior International Master Title (Mike had earned the IM Title only two weeks prior). With one game still remaining in that tournament, he has already clinched first place on Board 3, scoring 11.5/14 points and thereby exceeding the 11.0 point SIM Norm for a category IV tournament with 16 players. Mike had previously earned a SIM Norm in WS/MN/013, once again exceeding the SIM requirement of 10.0 points with a final overscore of 11.0.

He had been ‘playing under the radar’ until the Fall 2007 ICCF rating list was published with Mike first appearing in 33rd place (2436 rating) of all active USA players. It is quite possible that his performance in the Pan American will help the USA team to a medal as all 4 boards appear headed for plus scores.

Mike has been so kind as to annotate one of the games that helped earn his titles. Michael added, “This is a game against IM César Capablanca. He (César) told me he is the captain of the Cuban team and a cousin of the great José.” Judge for yourself whose style is more like the former World Champion. Also shown is the game (without annotations) which clinched the SIM Title for Michael. These tournament results and examples of his play are ample ‘Proof” that Michael is a force to be reckoned with in correspondence chess. – Q.E.D.

Games

Press release issued by Bob Rizzo ICCF-US Titles Officer

June 28, 2008

11th NAICCC Officially Starts 1 July 2008

The 11th North American Invitational Correspondence Chess Championship (NAICCC) officially starts Tuesday, 1 July 2008. Special thanks to Canada (namely IA Ralph P. Marconi) for organising the event and once again directing it. The winner will advance to the WCCC Candidates round.

Of special interest is that Randal Andrews (USA) is in the field of participants. He played in the 3rd NAICCC and 4th NAICCC and did rather well in the 4th, tying for first place with IM John Wright, but Wright won it on the better tie-break score. Click on 4th NAICCC cross-table to see the results.   Another story of this NAICCC: IM David Myers is playing as well as concurrently playing in the 22nd World CC Championship Final .   It was rather surprising that he decided to take on another strong event while playing in a World CC Championship Final - but I'm not complaining.

You can follow the 11th NAICCC progress on the ICCF server cross-table with the start list extracted below:

Category 5SIM=10;IM=9;LGM=6;LM=3½
Ave. rating: 2362 Tournament Director: IA, Ralph P. Marconi
1 USA IMMiettinen, Kristo S.(2297)
2 CAN Verde, Pino(2311)
3 CAN IMDemian, Valer-Eugen(2420)
4 USA IMMyers, David R.(2416)
5 CAN Fichaud, Alan(2364)
6 CAN Labonte, Richard(2399)
7 USA Hill, Grayling V.(2397)
8 USA Wilson, Abe L.(2400 Provisional)
9 USA SMReinhart, Kenneth M.(2496)
10 USA Andrews , Randal(2400 Provisional)
11 CAN Hynes, Wayne(2452)
12 CAN IMMaurer, Serge(2366)
13 USA IMRodriguez, Keith A.(2435)
14 MEX IMGuizar, Dr. Clemente(2352)
15 USA IMSchakel, Corky(2325)

Reported by Ralph Marconi

Good luck and good chess to all the participants and thanks Ralph for giving us another strong North American tournament opportunity!

June 22, 2008

CORRESPONDENCE CHESS TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
PRELIMINARIES OF THE 8th LADIES’ TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

ICCF has officially opened entries for the 8th Ladies' Olympiad Preliminary round to begin 1 August 2008. This is a great opportunity to represent your country, meet other strong lady players from all around the world and maybe achieve a title norm! Competiton consists of the Preliminary round and a Finals round (if our team can qualify).

For details on the competiton see the ICCF announcement. If you are a US lady player ready for top flight competition please send your entry request to schakels@comcast.net.

August 1 is not far away, so send your entry now.

June 16, 2008 (with minor corrections on June 22, photo added July 7)

Dan Fleetwood is USA ’s Newest Correspondence GM

GM Dr. Dan Fleetwood
 the big picture

Bob Rizzo has issued the following press release:

With his victory against Poland’s SM Maciej Jedrzejowski, Dr. Daniel M. Fleetwood of Brentwood, Tennessee, has become the eighth US Correspondence Chess GrandMaster. Dan’s Medal and Title Certificate will be issued at the upcoming ICCF Congress in Pleven, Bulgaria, in September. Dan’s two GM norms were earned in the ICCF Olympiad 14 Final on board 3 and the ICCF Olympiad 15 Final on board 1.

A few glimpses into his chess talents were offered early on when he captured the ACUI Midwest regional Collegiate Chess Championship in 1981 and then the USCF’s premier correspondence tournament, the 1993 Absolute Championship. Success is no stranger to Dan who has not only excelled in chess but at virtually every pursuit he has attempted. He is not only an engineer, a scientist, and an accomplished teacher and academic administrator at Vanderbilt University, but also an inventor, a lyricist, an author, a musician, and an athlete – truly a “Master of All Trades.” His technical papers are too numerous to mention and his honors fill up several pages. In 2007, he was named a distinguished alumnus of the Purdue University School of Science. Given his work schedule and family responsibilities (he and his wife Betsy have three sons, ages 22, 18, and 15), one wonders how he ever found time to play, no less study chess.

Dan claims that nothing is easy in correspondence chess – a rather telling statement from someone who makes a living by solving difficult electrical engineering problems! But judging from his results perhaps he is just being modest. The gamescore that clinched his GM title appears below. Dan’s most impressive curriculum vitae can be found at the following link:

http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~dan.fleetwood/

ICCF CCO15/F (Board 1)

SM Fleetwood, Daniel M. (2565) United States

SM Jedrzejowski, Maciej (2502) Poland

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be3 e5 7.Nb3 Be6 8.f3 Nbd7 9.Qd2 Be7 10.g4 O-O 11.O-O-O b5 12.g5 b4 13.Ne2 Ne8 14.f4 a5 15.f5 a4 16.Nbd4 exd4 17.Nxd4 b3 18.Kb1 bxc2+ 19.Nxc2 Bb3 20.axb3 axb3 21.Na3 Ne5 22.h4 Ra4 23.Qg2 Qa8 24.f6 Bxf6 25.gxf6 Nxf6 26.Bb5 Rb4 27.Bd3 h5 28.Bh6 Nfg4 29.Bf4 Ra4 30.Bxe5 dxe5 31.Rc1 Rd8 32.Rh3 Nf6 33.Re3 Rad4 34.Qf3 Ng4 35.Rc7 Rf8 36.Re2 Nf6 37.Rc3 Rb8 38.Kc1 Kf8 39.Bc4 Rxe4 40.Bxb3 Rxe2 41.Qxe2 Qh1+ 42.Qd1 Qxd1+ 43.Bxd1 Nd5 44.Rb3 Rc8+ 45.Kd2 g6 46.Rb7 Rd8 47.Bb3 Ne7+ 48.Kc3 Rd4 49.Nc4 Nd5+ 50.Kc2 f6 51.Na5 Ne3+ 52.Kc3 Nd1+ 53.Bxd1 Rxd1 54.b4 e4 55.Nc4 Rd3+ 56.Kc2 Rd4 57.Ne3 f5 58.Ng2 e3 59.Kc3 Re4 60.Rc7 f4 61.Ne1 Re5 62.Rc4 Rf5 63.Nf3 Ke7 64.Rd4 Ke6 65.Kd3 Ke7 66.Ke2 Ke6 67.Ng5+ Ke5 68.Rc4 Rf8 69.Kf3 Kd5 70.Re4 Rf6 71.Nh3 Rf5 72.Nxf4+ Kd6 73.Re6+ Kd7 74.Rxg6 e2 75.Rg1 Kc6 76.Ke4 Rb5 77.Rc1+ Kd6 78.Nd3 Rb7 79.Kf3 Re7 80.Re1 1-0

April 29, 2008 (Updated 22 June -- Correction Anthony Kain not Cain -- Sorry Tony!)

Announcing -- ICCF 1st JUNIOR WORLD CUP

ICCF announces the 1st Junior World Cup intended to promote correspondence chess in young players. It will be played on the ICCF webserver in two stages: Preliminary and Final and is open to anyone born after June 30th, 1988 regardless of ICCF membership status.

The top four players in the Final will receive money prizes. Players may register immediately via their National Federation or by using the online Direct Entry method. Registration closes at midnight GMT on June 20, 2008.

Two ICCF-US players (Anthony Kain and Cian Wingo) are among the early entries to the Junior World Cup.

For more details see the official announcement on the ICCF website.

April 6, 2008

Wanted: One Player for a Two Game Friendly Match with Scotland, 1800-2000 Fixed ICCF Rating

Scotland vs. The World 30th Anniversary of Scottish CCA will have four Americans participating, and we need one more player with a fixed ICCF rating of 1800-2000 to play by post. Please send your entry request to schakels@comcast.net.

April 3, 2008

April Game of the Month Annotated by GM Dr. Jason Bokar

As promised in March, we present the April Game of the Month with superb annotations by GM Dr. Jason Bokar. The game is a Dutch Stonewall win by ICCF-US Secretary and IM Corky Schakel over a strong Russian opponent.

Enjoy

April 3, 2008

Announcing -- 3rd ICCF WEBCHESS OPEN TOURNAMENT

    -One free entry to new-to-ICCF players-

ICCF has just announced the 3rd ICCF Webchess Open Tournament, with details available under "New events" at www.iccf-webchess (or click http://www.iccf-webchess.com/Message.aspx?message=210 ). This is an open-to-all event with seven player sections; the first of three rounds starts in mid-May. Players who are new to ICCF will be allowed one free entry to introduce themselves to server play. Multiple entries are allowed, at $25 each, a bit less via Direct Entry.

March 23, 2008

Wanted: Chess Clocks for Cuba

SIM Pablo Salcedo Mederos, my Museum Match partner and long time friend of ICCF-US, has started a chess club at his university in Cuba. They need about twenty chess clocks. If anyone has an unused chess clock they would like to donate, please contact me at schakels@comcast.net.

Corky Schakel, ICCF-US Secretary

March 23, 2008

U.S. CORRESPONDENCE CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS -- Entries Closed

Last minute entries allowed us to kick off with nine sections! Thanks for your response.

March 9, 2008

Ted Brandhorst is USA's Newest SIM

SIM Ted Brandhost
 to enlarge

The ICCF-US office is pleased to announce that Ted Brandhorst (USA) has earned the title of Senior International Master as officially confirmed by ICCF Titles Commssioner, Eric Ruch. This is the second of what we hope will be many more medals that the USA will be awarded at the Pleven, Bulgaria Congress to be held in September. Ted’s SIM title was earned as the result of Norms earned in the ‘Chessfriends Rochade 5171 - 15 Years’ and the ‘10th North American Invitational CC’ tournaments.

Ted represented the USA team as board 4 in the Rochade event where he scored 8 points. Board 4 was rated 2467 (Category IX) and included 2 GMs as well as 7 SIMs in the field of 15 players. Ted made the SIM standard while earning a performance rating of 2528 and finishing tied for 4th. Ted clinched the norm with his result against Germany’s SIM Thomas Cuno on Halloween, October 31, 2006.

In the Category VII (rated 2417) NAICCC tournament Ted scored 9 points which exceeded the 8 required for the SIM title, missing a GM norm by a mere ½ point. Ted won this tournament with a stratospheric 2617 performance rating. Ted scored his 8th point (title clinching point) against Canada’s IM Valer-Eugene Demian on Christmas Day! It looks like Ted does not take off on Holidays! Congratulations to the USA’s latest SIM.

Reported by Bob Rizzo

March 4, 2008

New Feature -- Game of the Month

In the menu to the left you will see a new item -- "Game of the Month". Just to get the ball rolling I have started with light annotations on one of my own games. But I promise you better games and better annotation in the coming months as the USAs newest ICCF GM Dr. Jason Bokar has volunteered to annotate for us!

I will also accept your most interesting annotated games from our other readers for consideration for publishing in this new feature. Don't be shy -- send your best efforts. I will also accept your best games unannotated and pass them on to Jason for possible annotation by a GM.

March 1, 2008

U.S. CORRESPONDENCE CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS -- Two More Players Needed

ICCF-US Secretary Corky Schakel has informed me that 54 entries for the 2nd USCCC via webserver have been received! (Unfortunately not enough Postal entries came in to hold the 18th USCCC by post). We still need two more webserver entries to fill out the eighth seven-player section so Corky can get the assignments out this month. If you have ever considered playing in the U.S Championships, or just want want some good games against strong players, we need your entry now. See tournament and entry details in February 1st announcement below.

February 15, 2008

U.S. CORRESPONDENCE CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Note: E N T R Y    D E A D L I N E    E X T E N D E D    T O    M A R C H    1st
Last chance to get those entries in!
Champion with Trophy
 to enlarge
and see other photos

9 February 2008: USCCC Champion IM David Myers With His Trophy

There's more to being USCCC champion than just the title. The perquisites as the winner include:

  • You too will get your story on the web (see October 22 article below)
  • The Trophy - a pretty impressive piece of hardware for your trophy case (and if you don't have a trophy case, the USCCC Championship trophy will be worth building one for)
  • Certainly not the least impressive prize is that you earn an entry into the ICCF World Championship tournament
  • USCCC Webserver Trophy
    The Trophy

    I hope these pictures will whet your appetite to vie for the titles of 2nd Webserver US Correspondence Champion or 19th Postal US Correspondence Champion (if we get enough postal entries). See the announcement below and if you are rated over 2000 and didn't get an email from ICCF-US inviting you, please email ICCF-US or the webmaster with an updated email address. (Qualified players not receiving an invitation may mean that we have a bad email address on file for you.)

    Remember, you don't have to have the highest rating to win, David wasn't the top rated player last year.

    February 1, 2008

    U.S. CORRESPONDENCE CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS

    The deadline date for upcoming U.S. Correspondence Chess Championships is fast approaching. Get your entries in now!

    18th Postal Entries due Feb. 15, 2008
    2nd Server Entries due Feb. 15, 2008

    All CCLA and USCF members
    with correspondence ratings over 2000 or OTB over 2100
    Preliminary round sections: 7 players, balanced by rating. Winners advance. Final round
    includes designated champions from USCF and CCLA and former USCCC Champions.

    U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY
    AND NOMINATION TO
    ICCF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CYCLE

    Details at www.iccfus.com/ne040210.htm
    Or for order form to write to:

    ICCF-US
    16052 Quality Ct. S.
    Lakeland MN 55043

    Entries due Feb. 15, 2008
    Calendar March 1st 2008 as the start date!

    February 1, 2008

    USA Women Take on Germany in a Friendly Match

    Germany challenged ICCF-US to a Women's Friendly Match, with a Scheveningen System format (each of the five team members plays two games against each of the five opponent players). Here is our team:

    Janet Peterson
    Jean Moeckel
    Madge Smith
    Roselie Estey
    Vanessa Glover Evans

    We wish our team good luck and good chess!

    In addition ICCF-US has agreed to participate a Women's Olympiad if ICCF can get nine teams to commit. Ladies, this is a great chance to meet other chess player from at least eight countries!

    January 6, 2008

    NEW INTERNATIONAL MATCHES SCHEDULED

    Dick Vandenburg reports that he is organizing two new international matches, with the United Kingdom and Spain , both of which will be played 100% through the ICCF server. Both countries indicate they want to use the server only, without any of the games being played via email on the side. The UK match is set to begin on February 1 with Spain following March 1. Only members of CCLA and USCF are eligible to play on one or both of our teams (non-members are encouraged to join one of the two groups). Space depends upon whether we have room in the various rating classifications, except we will not give preference to players who participated in the now winding-down USA vs. Sweden match and ended with a 0-2 score. As with Sweden, most players will be rated between 2000 and 2500, although a few may be accepted down to 1700 or 1800. Two games will be played with each opponent (one with each color, of course) and players will be listed in order of their ratings, using ICCF ratings first, followed by either USCF or CCLA. We estimate the UK match will have about 30 players and Spain somewhere between 50 and 80. Also as with Sweden, the use of computers is permitted.

    If you are interested in playing in either match, please contact:
    Dick Vandenburg rsvandenburg@juno.com.

    January 1, 2008

    ICCF-US Secretary's Report -- ICCF-US Administration

    After more than ten years of outstanding service as Secretary to ICCF-US, Ruth Ann Fay retired last October. She continues to be a great help as I learn the ins and outs of ICCF and ICCF-US. Ruth Ann was also the North America Pacific Zone Director, and I will be continuing the dual role until we find someone who can dedicate theirself fully to take on the NAPZD duties.

    There are a number of volunteers supporting ICCF-US during this transition. Dan Perry is the new webmaster, with Franklin Campbell the back-up. Franklin is also TD for the 2nd World Server USCCC Final. Kristo Miettinen is organizing the USCCC17 Final, and will be the TD for the event. Bob Rizzo is keeping track of all the norms for IM, SIM, and GM titles. Michael Millstone is the Direct Entry coordinator for ICCF, and has been a great resource for how ICCF works. Jason Bokar has been the deputy NAPZ Director, and continues to provide help and advice. Brennan Price has volunteered to provide organizing support, as well as legal advice. Dick Vandenburg, CCLA President, is coordinating a friendly match against Sweden, soon to be followed by matches with England, Germany, Spain, and whoever else challenges us. And Alex Dunne and Joan DuBois of USCF have been providing support through publicity for ICCF events (and successes!).

    ICCF officials have been most helpful (and tolerant), especially Gino Figlio, Marco Caressa, Frank Geider, Eric Ruch, Gian-Maria Tani, Guido Bresadola, Pedro Hegoburu, President Med Samraoui, and Honorary President Alan Borwell.

    My objectives for the next several years are simple: help ICCF-US survive and thrive, providing an opportunity for American players to compete internationally at the highest levels. So the right way to end this note is to wish the best of luck to Jon Ostriker, David Myers, and Tim Murray as they start WC Finals in the next few months. Previous American World Champions Hans Berliner and Victor Palciauskus have led the way for all of us.

    Amici Sumus!
    Corky Schakel,
    ICCF-US Secretary

    December 31, 2007

    ICCF Olympaid XVII Preliminaries US Team Qualifies for Finals and Makes Chess Life January Cover!!

    I wish to pass along a letter of congratulations to the US ICCF Olympiad XVII Preliminaries team on their qualification to the Olmypiad Finals from Joan DuBois, U.S. Chess Director of Communications, Affiliate Relations & Correspondence Chess. Her letter also points out their new status as the "cover boys" of U.S. Chess. Their achievement has been memorialized on the January cover of Chess Life for all the world to see!

    Hello everyone,

    I must apologize for this belated "Congratulations". I was reminded of your outstanding accomplishment today when I received my advanced copy of the January 2008 Chess Life.

    All of you have been remarkable with your chess play and dedication to chess, especially correspondence chess. I'm so thrilled to see you all on the cover of CL...I can hardly type!!

    All of our thoughts and good wishes will be with you all as you proceed and compete in the Finals.

    Joan

    Let me echo Joan's congratualations to:
    1st Board : Dr. Jason Bokar
    2nd Board : Kenneth Reinhart
    3rd Board : Keith Rodriguez
    4th Board : Robert Rizzo
    5th Board : Michael Millstone
    6th Board : Corky Schakel
    Captain (and cover designer!) J. Franklin Campbell

    For more on the team see the official team website (where you can also get a preview of the cover).

    December 31, 2007

    Tournament Announcement -- 1st ICCF Veterans World Cup

    ICCF-US is now accepting entries for the 1st ICCF Veterans World Cup organized by the Czech Correspondence Chess Association in memory of IA Stanislav Foglar.

    This tournament will be played on the ICCF webserver, in two or three stages (depending on entries) of 11-13 players, beginning 11 April 2008. This tournament is only open to players who will be at least 60 years of age as of the startdate. All games played in this tournament are rated, and one entry fee covers all stages. Games will be available to the public only when they are finished, and when at least 10 games are finished in the section.

    The entry fee is $25, payable to ICCF-US. Entries must be sent to the ICCF-US at the address below with the player’s name, date of birth, e-mail address, and entry fee by 15 February 2008.

    Mr. Stanislav Foglar (11 April 1913 – 9 August 2004) was a significant figure in Czech, Czechoslovak, and international correspondence chess. Mr. Foglar was an International Arbiter, recipient of the Bertl von Massow gold medal, and captain of the Czech teams which won gold in the 5th ICCF Olympiad and silver in the 6th ICCF Olympiad. 11 April, the startdate of the tournament, is Mr. Foglar’s birthday.

    Send entries/inquiries to:

    ICCF-US, Leonard Schakel
    16052 Quality Ct S
    Lakeland, MN 55043
    schakels@comcast.net

    December 4, 2007

    Players Wanted for USA vs. Germany, England, and Spain Friendly Matches!

    Play a two game match with an opponent of comparable rating, on the ICCF server, ICCF rated.

    All ratings accepted.

    Order using the ICCF-US order form, $6 per match.

    All players welcome, as are entries to multiple matches!

    Assignments will be made throughout 2008.

    November 15, 2007

    Keith Holzmueller Qualifies for IM and SIM Titles

    Keith Holzmueller has just received confirmation of his qualification for the IM title and SIM title, for which applications will be submitted to the annual ICCF Congress in Pleven , Bulgaria next September. One of his performances also met requirements for a GM norm, and he will play a World Championship Candidates section, looking for that last GM norm. Good luck, Keith!

    Bob Rizzo,
    ICCF-US Titles Officer

    November 15, 2007
    (Entry Address modified from October 3, 2007 posting)


    ICCF-US Announces the

    18th Postal and 2nd ICCF Server

    U.S. CORRESPONDENCE

    CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS

     

    U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY

    AND NOMINATION TO ICCF

    WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CYCLE

     

    REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY:

    APCT, CCLA or USCF membership

    Minimum rating:  postal 2000 or OTB 2100

    Must be U. S. citizen or permanent resident

     

    Preliminary round sections: 7 players on server, up to 15 post, balanced

    by rating.Winners advance.  Final round includes designated champions

    of USPCF clubs and former U. S. Champions.

     

    POSTAL ENTRIES CLOSE FEB. 15, 2008

    Start date Mar. 1, 2008

    SERVER  ENTRIES CLOSE FEB. 15, 2008

    Start date Mar. 1, 2008

    Dates may be extended until minimum of  70 entries is received.

    SEND $25 ENTRY FEE PAYABLE TO ICCF-US

    16052 QUALITY CT S, LAKELAND, MN  55043

    ENTER BOTH EVENTS AT THE SAME TIME $40

     

    Details at www.iccfus.com/ne040210.htm

    Or write to ICCF-US for order form

    16052 Quality Ct S

    Lakeland, MN  55043

    November 8, 2007

    2007 ICCF Congress - NAPZ Directors Report

    Ruth Ann Fay, North America Pacific Zone (NAPZ) Director has provided the official NAPZ Directors Report 2007.   For further information you may download the Draft Congress Minutes  from the ICCF site.

    Among the other rulings of the 2007 Congress covered in Ruth Ann's report, is the addition of ICCF Money Prize Tournaments  to the ICCF tournament menu. Nine player sections compete for a 200 CHF first prize and a 100 CHF second prize. For information on the current section filling and to enter (Direct Entry only) see http://www.iccf-webchess.com/EventsAnnouncements.aspx.

    As an added bonus for those of us who couldn't make the trip Ruth Ann has included a gallery of her best photographs  taken at the Congress. Enjoy the shots of Spain, Gibraltar and the congress participants. Its the best alternative to being there.

    Amici Sumus!
    Dan Perry,
    ICCF-US Webmaster

    November 5, 2007
    (Updated 1 Nov posting -- Photo hyperlinks added)

    US Players Receive GM, SIM and IM Titles

    At the ICCF Congress in Malaga, Spain last week new titles were confirmed for these US players:

    Dr. Jason Bokar: GM

    Jon Ostriker: SIM

    Ken Reinhart: IM and SIM

    Dan Perry: IM

    David Myers: IM

    It was a great honor for me to receive the medals and accompanying certificates for our new title holders.

    Ruth Ann Fay received ICCF's Silver Bertl von Massow 10 Year Service award, and a plaque from a grateful ICCF-US for all she has done for us. Photo1  (Ruth Ann is on the right!?)  Photo2

    The whole Congress was quite an experience for me, meeting so many people I've known only "electronically," especially Ruth Ann who continues to help me learn the ins and outs of the ICCF-US Secretary responsibilities. Michael Millstone, the ICCF Direct Entry coordinator and OLY17 teammate, was also a big help to me during the four days of meetings. And to meet American World Champion Viktor Palciauskas and his wife Dr. Aurelia Palciauskus was a bonus--both were a pleasure to visit with. Viktor is Bd. 1 in the USA vs. Sweden Friendly Match. We received friendly match challenges from England, Spain, and Germany...a great way for more folks to participate in international play. My wife and I enjoyed the week in Spain, so on to Plevens, Bulgaria, the site for next year.  ICCF Congress Photos  --from Luz Marina Tinjaca' Ramirez.

    Amici Sumus! Corky Schakel, ICCF-US Secretary

    October 22, 2007

    Dave Myers Wins USA Championship

    Congratulations to Dave Myers on clinching first place in the USA Championship (1st WS USCCC Final). The tournament Director International Arbiter Ralph Marconi has informed that by finishing his playing schedule with an undefeated score of +4 =4 (6-2) he has assured that no one can catch him (several players can theoretically score 5½). Thus, David Myers becomes the current USA correspondence chess champion.

    Click here for more details! Thanks to Franklin Campbell for the posting!

    September 16, 2007

    The Top 50 List of Active US players with Fixed Ratings is now out!

    Please click on the "Player Ranks" on the side bar. This means the rating is based on 30 or more results and that the last result was within 5 years. Some players, who would otherwise be on the list, have indicated to me that they are no longer active. GM Hans Jack Berliner with a rating of 2726 is the number 1 example.  The ratings on this list are valid for calculation of title norms in tournaments beginning between 1 October 2007 through 31 March 2008.

    Please congratulate Michael C. Proof on his first appearance on the list. His rating jumped an impressive 40 points since the last list. He enters this list as number 33.

    Players may look on www.iccf-webchess.com for their ICCF Rating and ID number at anytime.

    May 30, 2007

    Next Champion's League Season Registration

    See NTT Commissioner's letter below. ICCF-US order form has been updated.

    Dear chessfriends,

    Welcome to the 3rd season of ICCF-CL! We are open for registration later than announced; please accept my apologies for this delay. The registration closes August 1st, 2007. All games for the new season will start officially on September 1st, 2007.

    We have revised and uploaded the FAQ valid for this season. You can read it here:
    http://tables.iccf.com/email/ChLeague/2004/season3faq.htm
    The registration form is available here:
    http://tables.iccf.com/email/ChLeague/2004/season3faq.htm#faq03.8
    It should provide you with all necessary details to make an educated decision before registering.

    There are 2 ways to register for this 3rd season:
    - register via your national federation
    - register via Direct Entry
    as explained by our FAQ.

    If at anytime during the registration you need clarifications, we are ready to help you! Please contact the following people:
    Michael Millstone (DE Administrator) - for any DE related question
    Valer Eugen Demian - for any other question regarding ICCF-CL in general
    Their contact information is available at the ICCF main webpage under "Main menu" > "ICCF Contacts"

    Amici sumus,
    Valer Eugen Demian
    NTT Commissioner

    May 28, 2007

    Update on the Olympiad 15 Final. Many thanks to Raymond Boger!

    Pl.

    Sist

    Nation

    % Score

    Sist

    + / -

    Partier

    +

    RP

    1

    3

     Norway

    56,73

    55,88

    29,5

    +7

    52

    1

    26

    1

    1

     Russia

    56,73

    56,73

    29,5

    +7

    52

     

    26

    3

    2

     Netherlands

    56,38

    56,38

    26,5

    +6

    47

     

    31

    4

    4

     Germany

    54,81

    54,81

    28,5

    +5

    52

     

    26

    5

    5

     USA

    53,49

    53,49

    23,0

    +3

    43

     

    35

    6

    7

     Slovenia

    52,13

    52,13

    24,5

    +2

    47

     

    31

    7

    6

     Portugal

    51,19

    52,44

    21,5

    +1

    42

    1

    36

    8

    8

     Austria

    50,91

    50,91

    28,0

    +1

    55

     

    23

    9

    9

     Ireland

    49,11

    49,11

    27,5

    -1

    56

     

    22

    10

    10

     Estonia

    49,04

    49,04

    25,5

    -1

    52

     

    26

    11

    11

     Lithuania

    47,87

    47,78

    22,5

    -2

    47

     

    31

    12

    12

     Kazakstan

    44,44

    44,44

    24,0

    -6

    54

     

    24

    13

    13

     Latvia

    40,91

    40,91

    22,5

    -10

    55

     

    23

    14

    14

     Polen

    38,46

    38,46

    20,0

    -12

    52

     

    26

    April 2007

    The ICCF-US top 50 players announced!


    See "ICCF-US News Archives"
    in menu for 2001-2006 news

    The ICCF has been the organization for international correspondence chess since World War II. There are approximately eighty member countries organized into four zones. The ICCF-US Secretary has administrative duties for all United States players. ICCF-U.S. is in the North American/Pacific Zone (NAPZ), which also includes Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore. The US Secretary works closely with the Zonal Director. The ICCF aim is to promote International Correspondence Chess as a way to meet and establish friendships with people throughout the world in peaceful competition. There is only one language on the chess board.

    Our Motto is: Amici Sumus - We Are Friends

    The ICCF-US office can be contacted directly :

    EMAIL:
    schakels@comcast.net

    POST:
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