This is an historical overview and detailed analysis of American correspondence chess from the 1840s to the present. Particular attention is paid to the Correspondence Chess League of America (CCLA), the oldest correspondence chess organization in America and the second oldest in the world. Also included are comparisons of American postal chess play to that of other nations; discussions of the United States Postal Chess Federation, which runs the national championship and encompasses most major American clubs; and biographies on America’s two World Correspondence Chess Champions. Over 200 illustrative games are included with diagrams. Appendices cover the CCLA rating system, adjudication, the Russian system, and winners of selected tournaments. A bibliography provides opportunities for further research and indexes cover players, game openings, and general topics.
Bryce D. Avery, a member of the Correspondence Chess League of America for nearly two decades, was elected as one of the youngest directors ever and was appointed as League historian in 1998. He lives in Maryland, where he is a test director and engineer with the United States Navy.
Reviews:
“superbly produced...well indexed”-British Chess Magazine; “a wealth for the correspondence chess historian...this book will set the standard for books to come...a major contribution to our game, and the games printed are worth the price”-Chess Life; “a very enjoyable chess book! Highly recommended!”-Chess Mail; “a very detailed history of the CCLA...a large number of highly fascinating games...well written and researched”-American Postal Chess Tournaments News Bulletin; “recommended”-Blitz Chess.
Table of Contents
viii Acknowledgments
ix Preface
001 01. In the Beginning (to 1909)
016 02. E Pluribus Unum (1909-1917)
036 03. Hoover in Charge (1917-1933)
054 04. The Walt James Era (1933-1946)
076 05. Spackmann and Rees (1946-1964)
098 06. Times of Turbulence (1964-1977)
120 07. The Honn Years (1977-1991)
140 08. Looking Ahead (From 1991)
159 09. International Play
188 10. One Nation Under the USPCF
222 11. Dr. Hans Berliner: America´s First World Correspondence Chess Champion
231 12. Dr. Victor Palciauskas
255 Appendix A. The CCLA Rating System
259 Appendix B. Adjudication
261 Appendix C. The Russian System
267 Appendix D. Winner of Selected Tournaments
269 Bibliography
271 Index of Openings (by game number)
272 Index of Players (by game number)
275 General Index (by page number)
Bryce D. Avery
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