What is the point of correspondence chess?

The point of correspondence is to play near perfect chess, without any mistakes. If in ICCF correspondence, you just play what an engine recommends, then you will not win any games at all. Your opponent also has access to engines. Correspondence is about very deep analysis, far beyond the horizon of the engines.

Does correspondence chess make you better?

To answer your question, yes, correspondence chess is a good way to improve, but not for all around improvement. It will boost your opening knowledge and assesment of endgames, also your understanding of structures and plans connected to them will improve. It won’t have any effect on your calculation abilities.

Do people still play correspondence chess?

Correspondence chess is still alive and well. Just as in the pre-engine days it is the branch of chess which comes closest to chess “truth”. Before the internet and strong chess engines correspondence players had days rather than minutes and seconds to consider their moves.

Is playing online chess good for you?

Can You Have Too Much Of A Good Thing? Too much chess on the internet can have many negative effects such as decreased social functioning, shiny/pale skin, weird habits, and worst of all – superficial chess. The biggest drawback of internet chess is that the vast majority is played at increasingly lower time controls.

Can you use engine in correspondence chess?

Correspondence chess is looked down upon by many over the board players. The ICCF or International Correspondence Chess Federation (recognized by FIDE), decided to allow engine use due to problems inherent with online cheating.

Is correspondence chess good for beginners?

Now to your question: Correspondence chess is excellent at helping you learn openings and endings. These involve theory, and you need to memorize it to be able to use it in a tournament where you’re playing over-the-board (OTB).

Can you use an engine in correspondence chess?

On chess.com daily chess you are not allowed to use any type of engine assistance. However, it is worth noting that any serious correspondence chess (like ICCF tournaments) allow the use of engines. Thus serious correspondence chess is basically a completely different game these days.