Correspondence Chess in America

This is an historical overview and detailed analysis of American correspondence chess from the 1840s to about 1999. 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 of 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 Centennial, Colorado.

Bryce D. Avery
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 287
Bibliographic Info: tables, diagrams, appendices, bibliography, indexes
Copyright Date: 2012 [2000]
pISBN: 978-0-7864-7396-0
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments      viii

Preface      ix

1. In the Beginning (to 1909)      1

2. E Pluribus Unum (1909–1917)      16

3. Hoover in Charge (1917–1933)      36

4. The Walt James Era (1933–1946)      54

5. Spackman and Rees (1946–1964)      76

6. Times of Turbulence (1964–1977)      98

7. The Honn Years (1977–1991)      120

8. Looking Ahead (From 1991)      140

9. International Play      159

10. One Nation Under the USPCF      188

11. Dr. Hans Berliner: America’s First World Correspondence Chess Champion      222

12. Dr. Victor Palciauskas: The CCLA’s World Champion      231

Appendix A. The CCLA Rating System      255

Appendix B. Adjudication      259

Appendix C. The Russian System      261

Appendix D. Winners of Selected Tournaments      267

Bibliography      269

Index of Openings (by game number)      271

Index of Players (by game number)      272

General Index (by page number)      275

“superbly produced…well indexed. Recommended”—British Chess Magazine; “informative”—Chess Mail; “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 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.