PINNED - Saturday, 9th November 2024
EFCC Executive Committee
Announcement for the 5th English CC Championship!
The English Federation of Correspondence Chess (EFCC) is pleased to announce that the 5th English Correspondence Chess Championship (ECCC) will be held which will start in March 2025. The 5th ECCC is open only to those players who are registered or able (in the case of new players) to be registered to play under the England flag in the ICCF.
The entry fee is £15.00. Entries may be made by PayPal through the 'Online Fee Payment' section on the left hand side of this web page quoting “5th ECCC”. Alternatively, entries may be sent to the Treasurer, Ian M Pheby (address: Oaklea Cottage, Horsham Road, Capel, Dorking, Surrey RH5 5JH) with a cheque for £15.00 made payable to “EFCC”.
The full Rules, tournament structure, eligibility, prizes, etc. can be seen under "English CC Championship (ECCC) in the left-hand Menu, or by clicking here: https://efcchess.org.uk/eccc.html
Providing a positive score is obtained, the Champion will receive a cheque for £175 together with an engraved trophy to retain. Monetary prizes will also be available to those finishing in second, third and fourth places of the Championship, and also for the first two places in the semi-final sections.
There shall be a Championship final, semi-finals & preliminary sections with all standards of player catered for. The games will be played on the ICCF webserver, and the tournament duration shall be approximately 22 months of playing time. The time limit shall be 40 days for each 10 moves.
The closing date for entries is 1st February 2025. Pairings will be issued as soon as possible after that date.
All players who are registered or able (in the case of new players) to be registered to play under the England flag in the ICCF are heartily invited to enter this tournament, both for the enjoyment of the games and for friendly contact/communication.
Good luck to everyone
Tournament Organiser: SIM Keith Kitson
Tuesday, 26th November 2024
Phill Beckett
We wish Nigel Robson and Matthew Bailey every success in the World Final - our President Ian Pheby will be the TD.
Cross Table (iccf.com)
Harvey Williamson in Category 11 event
Sunday, 24th November 2024
Phill Beckett
We wish Harvey Williamson every success in this category 11 event in memory of Cenek Teichmann.
With a GM norm score of 7.5/14 it looks like Harvey has a realistic chance of his GM title.
Cross Table (iccf.com)
Friendly v Japan
Saturday, 9th November 2024
Phill Beckett
Cross Table (iccf.com)
England slipped to defeat against Japan in our friendly match.
Friday, 8th November 2024
Phill Beckett
England have two strong teams in the North Atlantic Team Event. There are numerous players with a chance of norms. Good luck to both teams.
Follow the event here - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Wednesday, 5th November 2024
Phill Beckett
Cross Table (iccf.com)
This event is in the memory of Keith Escott and starts at the beginning of December.
The quality of the event is a fitting tribute to Keith, lets hope at least one of the participants secures a norm!
Thursday, 24th October 2024
Keith Kitson
We had an encouraging start to the new Continuous Tournament with 9 Preliminary groups in progress.
However, entries have significantly slowed.
It is unlikely we will get sufficient entrants in a reasonable amount of time to supply 9 semi-finals before we can run the first Final, and it is unfair to expect waiting entrants to be kept waiting for so long.
The EFCC Executive Committee determined that we have enough preliminary winners from the first 9 groups to feed into a CT Final. When all 9 groups have completed the final can be started.
Consequently, it has been decided to eliminate the semi-final stage and take the first 9 winners from the first 9 prelims straight to a Final round.
With this in mind the entrants for the EFCC CT will be closed off and no further preliminary sections will be run.
An announcement has been made on the EFCC site to launch a new tournament which will group entrants by grading bands (EFCC Rated Groups Tournament). More details can be found HERE.
It is felt this may be more successful at attracting entrants than the previous CT format, which pitched all grades together randomly.
Any CT entrants that are still awaiting the start of their CT preliminary group will be given the opportunity to transfer their entry to the new grading bands tournament.
Keith Kitson (24-10-24)
(EFCC Tournament Controller)
Monday, 21st October 2024
EFCC Executive Committee
Announcement of New EFCC Tournaments
The EFCC is pleased to announce that tournaments for groups of similarly rated players will be held.
Entry is open to all English flagged players and players who are able (in the case of new players) to be registered to play under the England flag in the ICCF.
The entry fee is £4.00 per group entered. Entry may be made through the ‘Online Fee payment’ facility on this website or by sending a cheque made payable to ‘EFCC’ to the EFCC Treasurer: Mr Ian M. Pheby, Oaklea Cottage, Horsham Road, Capel, Dorking, Surrey RH5 5JH.
Each group will consist of five players who shall play all other players in that group on a double round basis. The games will be played under Triple Lock rules for a tournament of 350 days. There shall be no guaranteed time after move 50.
The prize fund will be subject to a player obtaining a positive score at the end of the tournament.
The full rules can be found in the left hand column of this website (here). All ICCF rules shall apply to all of these tournaments.
Good luck to everyone!
The Tournament Organiser is SIM Keith Kitson -
Thursday, 26th September 2024
Phill Beckett
The following written by John Wheeler (Hampshire Chess Association):
I am sorry to have to report the recent death of Steve LeFevre after a short illness at the age of 72. Steve was a long-time member of Cosham Chess club, and played regularly in the Portsmouth League for many years. He was also a member of the Hamble club, and played in the Southampton League; and was a well-known figure at Hampshire county matches in various events.
His father and brother were also keen chess-players, and between them played in many of the Portsmouth League clubs over a long period of time.
The funeral will be on Monday 19th August at 1.30 pm at St Wilfred’s church, Cowplain.
Monday, 23rd September 2024
Phill Beckett
The EFCC congratulate both Nigel Robson and Matthew Bailey who have qualifications for the world final!
Sunday, 8th September 2024
John Rhodes
Our next Executive Committee meeting will be held on Saturday 12th October, 2024 in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.
If any eligible EFCC members have anything that they would like discussed at our meeting, please email me at – Email John Here
by 21st September, 2024 at the latest.
John Rhodes, General Secretary
Tuesday, 4th September 2024
Phill Beckett
We have a 64 board friendly against our friends from the Netherlands - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Monday, 2nd September 2024
Phill Beckett
Congratulations to;
Tim Spanton with ICCF ID 212116 has achieved enough norms to receive the title of ICCF Correspondence Chess Master.
Ly Kimlong with ICCF ID 735004 has achieved enough norms to receive the title of ICCF Correspondence Chess Master.
Monday, 2nd September 2024
Phill Beckett
We wish all our players good fortune.
Praveen Rallabandi and Richard Hall in section 1 - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Gerard Le Marechal in section 2 - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Ian Pheby in section 3 - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Monday, 2nd September 2024
Phill Beckett
On behalf of the EFCC, Phill Beckett congratulates the Congress organiser Austin Lockwood on a highly successful event.
Tuesday, 27th August 2024
Mickey Blake
|
Mickey Blake and The EFCC Executive Committee are delighted to announce the publication of the 'EFCC Correspondent - Issue 4'.
The 4th edition of this very high quality magazine can be viewed and/or downloaded here -
Correspondent_004.pdf (16mb)
Want future issues delivered straight to your Inbox ? Contact Mickey Blake by Email here to place yourself on the mailing list.
|
Thursday, 22nd August 2024
Ian Pheby
I am pleased to report that at the recently held 2024 ICCF Congress held in Wales that Phillip J. Beckett, England’s International Secretary, was presented with the Bertl von Massow Medal in Silver by the ICCF President, Eric Ruch, for ten years of outstanding service to the ICCF.
Phill is the ninth person from England to receive this award. Congratulations Phill. The award is well deserved!
Ian M Pheby
EFCC President
Tuesday, 20th August 2024
Phill Beckett
The player Dene Shaw with ICCF ID 213090 has achieved enough norms to receive the title of ICCF Correspondence Chess Expert.
Monday, 12th August 2024
Phill Beckett
The Congress opening ceremony featured a speech from the Lord Mayor and some traditional Welsh dancing.
(Left to Right) Cllr Michael Pearce (Mayor of Llandudno), Eric Ruch (ICCF President), Mrs Lindsay Pearce (Mayoress of Llandudno) and Russell Sherwood (WCCF Official)
Traditional Welsh Dancers from Angelsey
Monday, 12th August 2024
Phill Beckett
We congratulate our friends from Wales - European Champions !
Monday, 12th August 2024
Phill Beckett
Dawn Williamson [ENG] collects her Ladies World Championship Final 2nd Place Silver Medal at the ICCF Congress in Wales.
And Dawn with fellow runner-up Luz Marina Tinjaca Ramirez [ITA]
Sunday, 4th August 2024
Ian Pheby
It is not too late to enter the 2024 Williiam Mason Championship. The closing date for entries is midnight on 1st September 2024.
The entry fee is £5.00 payable through the EFCC website at www.efcchess.org.uk quoting “Mason” in the Online Fee Payment section. For those players wishing to pay their entry fee by cheque, please contact the tournament organiser at
The Championship section has a prize fund of £600 with a first prize of £300. Financial prizes are also available in the Candidates and the Reserves sections.
The tournament is likely to start in September though not before 12th September 2024.
Entries received to date are as follows:
| Current 2024 WILLIAM MASON CHAMPIONSHIP Entrants List |
| Name |
Title |
ICCF Number |
2024/3 Rating |
| Ackley |
Peter |
|
211537 |
2034 |
| Beckett |
Phillip J |
|
210454 |
1698 |
| Broomfield |
Daniel |
|
213376 |
1800 |
| Brotherton |
Trevor S |
CCM |
210823 |
2335 |
| Carey |
Graeme |
|
212954 |
2269 |
| Clarke |
David |
|
213133 |
2013 |
| Cole |
Steve |
CCM |
210447 |
2300 |
| Craven |
Valerie |
CCM |
210605 |
2320 |
| Cutler |
Matthew |
|
213218 |
2241 |
| Eastlake |
Phil |
CCM |
211887 |
2368 |
| Franks |
Keith |
CCE |
211552 |
2370 |
| Gardner |
Allan |
CCE |
211403 |
2273 |
| Goosey |
Richard W. |
|
211087 |
2176 |
| Grayland |
Stan J. |
CCM |
211452 |
2396 |
| Grobler |
David J. |
CCM |
210847 |
2345 |
| Hardwick |
Martin E. |
|
620648 |
761 |
| Hooker |
Stephen |
CCM |
213068 |
2372 |
| Hughes |
Gregory |
|
211095 |
1813
|
| Kirk |
Matthew |
|
212069 |
1881 |
| Kitson |
Keith |
SIM |
210569 |
2353 |
| Marchant |
Arnold |
CCM |
210690 |
2315 |
| de Maillet |
Anthony |
|
213277 |
2164 |
| Mason |
Ian J |
CCM |
219137 |
2411 |
| McMahon |
Frank B. |
|
211460 |
1964 |
| Morton |
Peter S. |
|
210477 |
1543 |
| Nierobisz |
Jim |
CCM |
211586 |
2346 |
| Pheby |
Ian M |
SIM |
210514 |
2410 |
| Picken |
R. David |
|
211815 |
1670 |
| Roberts |
Anthony A |
CCM |
211118 |
2081 |
| Roberts |
Stephen |
|
212579 |
1490 |
| Różański |
Robert |
CCE |
421439 |
2402 |
| Ruffle |
Alan |
|
212191 |
1352 |
| Shaw |
Dene |
|
213090 |
2202 |
| Smyth |
Sandy |
|
211569 |
1712 |
| Sutton |
Alan B |
CCE |
210709 |
2144 |
If you have any questions then please contact the tournament organiser at .Good luck to everyone.
Ian M Pheby
TO, William Mason Championship
73rd European Individual Championship, Final
Tuesday, 30th July 2024
Phill Beckett
Edmund Soh ended in 13th place in this category 9 event (only losing a single game). Well done. Cross Table (iccf.com)
Tuesday, 23rd July 2024
Phill Beckett
Veterans World Cup 12 Final (VWC12) has finished 10th July 2024: - We have multiple winners!
Congratulations to the following winners:
Equal 1st place (11 players): Khanas, Valeriy; Podvoysky, Evgeny Borisovich; Dmitriev, Vladimir; Straka, Zdeněk; Pirš, Matjaž; Dorer, Manfred; Vieites, Carlos; Wharrier, Jo A.; Boulanger, Michel; Anokhin, Yury; and Köhl, Rudolf.
Each player wins 236.36 Euros.
Detailed results may be seen at - Cross Table (iccf.com)
VWC12 was hosted by England on behalf of the ICCF.
Tuesday, 2nd July 2024
Phill Beckett
The title ICCF Correspondence Chess Expert awarded to player Tony Steward Anderson with ICCF ID 213100 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
Monday, 1st July 2024
Ian Pheby
It is not too late to enter the 2024 Williiam Mason Championship. The closing date for entries is midnight on 1st September 2024.
The entry fee is £5.00 payable through the EFCC website at www.efcchess.org.uk quoting “Mason” in the Online Fee Payment section. For those players wishing to pay their entry fee by cheque, please contact the tournament organiser at
The Championship section has a prize fund of £600 with a first prize of £300. Financial prizes are also available in the Candidates and the Reserves sections.
The tournament is likely to start in September though not before 12th September 2024.
Entries received to date are as follows:
| Current 2024 WILLIAM MASON CHAMPIONSHIP Entrants List |
| Name |
Title |
ICCF Number |
2024/3 Rating |
| Beckett |
Phillip J |
|
210454 |
1698 |
| Broomfield |
Daniel |
|
213376 |
1800 |
| Brotherton |
Trevor S |
CCM |
210823 |
2335 |
| Carey |
Graeme |
|
212954 |
2269 |
| Craven |
Valerie |
CCM |
210605 |
2320 |
| Cutler |
Matthew |
|
213218 |
2241 |
| Eastlake |
Phil |
CCM |
211887 |
2368 |
| Franks |
Keith |
CCE |
211552 |
2370 |
| Goosey |
Richard W. |
|
211087 |
2176 |
| Hooker |
Stephen |
CCM |
213068 |
2372 |
| Kitson |
Keith |
SIM |
210569 |
2353 |
| Mason |
Ian J |
CCM |
219137 |
2411 |
| Nierobisz |
Jim |
CCM |
211586 |
2346 |
| Pheby |
Ian M |
SIM |
210514 |
2410 |
| Roberts |
Anthony A |
CCM |
211118 |
2081 |
| Roberts |
Stephen |
|
212579 |
1490 |
| Różański |
Robert |
CCE |
421439 |
2402 |
| Ruffle |
Alan |
|
212191 |
1352 |
| Smyth |
Sandy |
|
211569 |
1712 |
| Sutton |
Alan B |
CCE |
210709 |
2144 |
If you have any questions then please contact the tournament organiser at .Good luck to everyone.
Ian M Pheby
TO, William Mason Championship
Win Against Cuba
Friday, 28th June 2024
Phill Beckett
England scored a convincing win against Cuba in the recently completed friendly - Cross Table (iccf.com)
A Second Narrow Defeat For England
Sunday, 16th June 2024
Phill Beckett
England slipped to another narrow defeat in their Team World Cup semifinal losing by a single point to Italy - Cross Table (iccf.com)
England Lose Close Match
Saturday, 8th June 2024
Phill Beckett
England lost narrowly to Spain in the three way semifinal of the World Team Knockout Cup - Cross Table (iccf.com)
We are still in play against Italy - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Saturday, 8th June 2024
Ian Pheby
The EFCC is pleased to announce that entries are now being accepted for the 2024 William Mason Championship.
The rules for this event are on the EFCC website at www.efcchess.org.uk/EFCCWMasonRules.html .However here are some questions and answers for ease of reference:
Who may enter? This event is open to all English flagged players or players who are able (in the case of new players) to be registered to play under the England flag in the ICCF.
What is the entry fee and how do I enter? It is £5.00 payable through the EFCC website at www.efcchess.org.uk quoting “Mason” in the Online Fee Payment section. For those players wishing to pay their entry fee by cheque, please contact the tournament organiser at
What are the time limits? The ICCF standard time control of 10 moves in 35 days with double time counting after 15 days will be used. 45 days of leave per year are available to each player.
What are the prizes? The Championship section has a prize fund of £600 with a first prize of £300. Financial prizes are also available in the Candidates and the Reserves sections. To win a prize a player must have a positive score at the end of the tournament. Players may also win EFCC Master and EFCC Candidate Master points which lead to EFCC titles.
What is the closing date for entries? Midnight on 1st September 2024.
When will the tournament start? The tournament is likely to start in September though not before 12th September 2024.
When will the tournament finish? The tournament will finish on 31st July 2025 after which adjudication will be called if necessary.
If you have any questions then please contact the tournament organiser at .Good luck to everyone.
Ian M Pheby
TO, William Mason Championship
Tuesday, 4th June 2024
Phill Beckett
The title ICCF Correspondence Chess Master awarded to player Stephen Hooker with ICCF ID 213068 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
Friday, 31st May 2024
Phill Beckett
We wish the following players the best of luck in their respective World Semi Finals;
Angus James in Semi Final 1 - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Jo Wharrier in Semi Final 3 - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Gerard Le-Marechal in Semi Final 4 - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Jonathan Curry-Machado in Semi Final 5 - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Les Ellis in Semi Final 6 - Cross Table (iccf.com)
John Pugh in Semi Final 7 - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Funeral Arrangements for Keith L. Escott
Friday, 31st May 2024
Ian Pheby
The funeral arrangements for Keith L. Escott, a past EFCC President, who died earlier this year are as follows:
The funeral of Keith Escott will take place at 3.15pm on Tuesday 11th June at Sutton Coldfield Crematorium, Tamworth Road, Sutton Coldfield B75 6LG. The reception/wake will take place from around 4pm at Castle Vale Residents Association, 321 Yatesbury Avenue, Birmingham B35 6QP.
If you plan or hope to attend either of the above, please email so that there can be an indication of numbers.
Ian M Pheby
EFCC President
Selection for USA Federation Events
Tuesday, 28th May 2024
Executive Committee
The selection committee have met and the USA Federation have confirmed the following entries to their invitational events;
Section A Les Ellis
Section B Leslie Eastoe
Section C Mike Richardt
Section D Jan Suto & Robert Rozinski
We wish them all success in these events which will start on 30th June.
Tuesday, 28th May 2024
Ian Pheby
I am pleased to announce that Alan J. C. Rawlings has qualified to play in the Final of DE15A.
This is a Category 7 tournament with a total of 950 Euros as prizes for the first three places assuming a positive score is obtained.
The cross table may be seen at https://www.iccf.com/event?id=105809
The EFCC wishes Alan every success in his games in this tournament.
Ian M Pheby
EFCC President
Friday, 24th May 2024
Keith Kitson
Congratulations must go to our own EFCC President, Ian Pheby, in the WCCC44SF 3.
Despite ranking 12th out of 17 Ian won the group sharing the win with another.
Ian therefore qualifies for the next World Championship Candidates Group.
We wish Ian every success in his future progress in this tournament.
Friday, 24th May 2024
Keith Kitson
The first six Preliminary Sections of the EFCC Continuous Tournament are now underway and the following is a summary of the results:
Prelim. Group 1
Click here for table results: https://www.iccf.com/event?id=104563
David Elwood has an early lead with 3 out of 3 wins and 3 games outstanding.
Prelim. Group 2
Click here for table results: https://www.iccf.com/event?id=104566
Phillip Tolhurst has an early lead with 2 wins out of 2 and 4 games remaining.
Prelim. Group 3
Click here for table results: https://www.iccf.com/event?id=104588
Alan Sutton has won Group 3 with 5 ½ out of 6 – Well done Alan.
Only two games are outstanding to complete this group.
Prelim. Group 4
Click here for table results: https://www.iccf.com/event?id=104623
Peter Cunningham leads the Group with 4 ½ out of 6.
J.D.M. Tymms lies in second place with 3 ½ out of 5 with one game still outstanding.
Prelim. Group 5
Click here for table results: https://www.iccf.com/event?id=104687
Alan Gardner leads this group with 4 out of 4 wins and 2 games still outstanding.
Prelim. Group 6
Click here for table results: https://www.iccf.com/event?id=105013
Frank McDermott has an early lead in this group with 3 wins from 3 games and 3 games still outstanding.
We had a good response to entries for the first 6 groups of this Continuous Tournament (CT).
Entries for this tournament have now slowed with one more entrant required to start Preliminary Group 7.
Entries to this tournament are open all year round.
Former BCCA members from 2022-2023 can still take advantage of free entry to the CT from the credit granted to them.
The EFCC EC urge English Flagged players to enter as the Final prize purse is generous and winners gain points towards an English Title.
Monday, 8th April 2024
Phill Beckett
The title ICCF Correspondence Chess Master awarded to player Steve Cole with ICCF ID 210447 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
Tuesday, 2nd April 2024
Ian Pheby
The 4th ECCC has now finished. Congratulations to Danny Dixon for winning this tournament. He won the only game which produced a positive result.
13 players finished equal second having drawn all their games. The cross table may be seen at - Cross Table (iccf.com)
The 5th ECCC is due to start in March 2025.
Ian M Pheby
EFCC President
Sunday, 31st March 2024
Phill Beckett
Two events in memory of Peter Gibbs who passed away last year.
You may follow the events by clicking Section A - Cross Table (iccf.com) or Section B - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Thursday, 28th March 2024
Ian Pheby
The EFCC is pleased to announce the introduction of English CC titles for all English flagged players. Three such titles are available: English Senior Master (ESM), English Master (EM), and English Candidate Master (ECM).
The criteria to obtain these titles, together with lists of current holders of these titles may be found in the left hand column under “English CC Titles”.
If anyone has any queries about English CC titles then please contact Ian M Pheby at -
Ian M Pheby
EFCC Titles Co-ordinator
Thursday, 28th March 2024
Ian Pheby
The EFCC is pleased to announce the introduction of English Master Points and English Candidate Master Points which may be obtained by all English flagged players.
These points may be obtained by successful players in English tournaments. Those players who obtain sufficient points as detailed in the left hand column under “English Master Points” will be awarded an English CC title as English Master Points and English Candidate Master Points are two of the criteria whereby English CC titles may be obtained.
If anyone has any queries about English Master Points or English Candidate Master Points then please contact Ian M Pheby at -
Ian M Pheby
EFCC Titles Co-ordinator
Wednesday, 27th March 2024
Ian Pheby
I am sad to report that Alan Beresford has died. Alan played correspondence chess in the Warwickshire Championship, the BCCTC, and the C&DCCC.
On behalf of the EFCC, my condolences to Alan’s family, friends, and colleagues at this sad time.
Ian M Pheby
EFCC President
Wednesday, 27th March 2024
Ian Pheby
It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Keith L. Escott in hospital on March 15th 2024, following an accident at his home.
Keith was EFCC President from 2000 to 2009 inclusive, and oversaw England’s hosting of the 2009 ICCF Congress in Leeds. Keith also served on several of EFCC’s sub-committees between 1975 and 2014.
He was the captain of Warwickshire for many years for his County in correspondence chess. His overall contribution to correspondence chess was immense.
He was an Editor of Chess and ran the Postal Chess League.
On behalf of the EFCC, my condolences to Keith’s family, friends, and colleagues at this sad time.
Ian M Pheby
EFCC President
Sunday, 24th March 2024
Phill Beckett
The title ICCF Correspondence Chess Master awarded to player James Toon with ICCF ID 213245 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
Saturday, 23rd March 2024
Ian Pheby
The England 2024 Medal tournaments are now on the ICCF server with an official start date of 4th April 2024.
2024 Gold Medal tournament - Cross Table (iccf.com) The average rating is 2363.
2024 Silver Medal tournament - Cross Table (iccf.com) The average rating is 2075.
2024 Bronze Medal tournament - Cross Table (iccf.com) The average rating is 1687.
Good luck to everyone!
Ian M Pheby
TO, Medals tournaments
Match against Germany
Tuesday, 19th March 2024
Phill Beckett
We are about to start a large match against our friends from Germany.
The grades are closely matched, so it should be a titanic struggle.
Follow the progress of the games - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Sunday, 17th March 2024
Phill Beckett
The player Dennis Broadway with ICCF ID 212469 has achieved enough norms to receive the title of ICCF Correspondence Chess Master. Congratulations.
Wednesday, 6th March 2024
Phill Beckett
We wish England players success in the World Championship Candidates;
Ian Pheby in Section 1 - Cross Table (iccf.com)
John Pugh in Section 2 - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Alan Rawlings in Section 3 - Cross Table (iccf.com)
England Players in Preliminaries of World Championship
Saturday, 2nd March 2024
Phill Beckett
We wish all English players good luck in the world Championship preliminaries;
Robert Marks in section 5 - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Alan Rawlings in section 3 - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Thursday, 22nd February 2024
Phill Beckett
The player Valerie Craven with ICCF ID 210605 has achieved enough norms to receive the title of ICCF Correspondence Chess Master. Congratulations.
Updated Tuesday, 27th February 2024
Ian Pheby
It is not too late to enter the 2024 EFCC Medals tournaments! The closing date for entries is 15th March 2024. Entry may be made through the Online Fee Payment in the left hand column (please quote “Medals”). The entry fee is only £3.00.
The ICCF standard time control of 10 moves in 40 days with duplication after 20 days will be used. 45 days of leave per year are available to each player. Players cannot agree to a draw before move 25. All games are ICCF rated.
Entries received to date are as follows:
| Current EFCC Medals Tournaments Entrants List |
| Name |
Title |
ICCF Number |
| Roberts |
Stephen |
|
212579 |
| Herman |
Tom |
CCM |
212544 |
| Pheby |
Ian M. |
SIM |
210514 |
| Farmer |
Michael |
|
212638 |
| Gardner |
Allan |
CCE |
211403 |
| Jefferson |
N.W. |
CCE |
210845 |
| Kitson |
Keith |
SIM |
210569 |
| Mason |
Ian J. |
CCM |
219137 |
| Morton |
Peter S. |
|
210477 |
| Richardson |
David |
|
219123 |
| Anthony A. |
Roberts |
CCM |
211118 |
| Smyth |
Sandy |
|
211569 |
| Sutton |
Alan B. |
CCE |
210709 |
| Pooley |
Mark C. |
|
211254 |
| Nierobisz |
Jim |
CCM |
211586 |
| Beckett |
Phillip J. |
|
210454 |
| Tymms |
J.D.M. |
|
211163 |
| Ruffle |
Alan |
|
212191 |
| Low |
Mark |
|
213297 |
| Elwood |
David |
|
211643 |
| Brotherton |
Trevor S. |
CCM |
210823 |
| McDermott |
Frank J. |
CCM |
212397 |
| Ellis |
Les |
IM |
211229 |
| Marchant |
Arnold |
CCM |
210690 |
| Craven |
Valerie |
CCM |
210605 |
The tournaments are due to start in April 2024. The full Rules can be seen under "EFCC Medals Tournaments” in the left-hand Menu of this website.
Ian M Pheby
EFCC President
Monday, 19th February 2024
Ian Pheby
The 4th English Championship Semi-Final B has now finished. Congratulations to Nigel Norman for winning this tournament with a score of 8 out of 12 points, and to Keith Franks who finished in second place with 7½ out of 12 based upon more won games from James Toon who also scored 7½ points.
Nigel and Keith are therefore entitled to enter the Championship Final of the 5th ECCC which is due to start in March 2025.
Ian M Pheby
EFCC President
Saturday, 10th February 2024
John Rhodes
ENGLISH FEDERATION FOR CORRESPONDENCE CHESS
Agenda for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held on Saturday 16th March 2024 in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire
1. Apologies for Absence
2. Minutes of the Last Meeting (18th March 2023)
3. Matters Arising
4. General Secretary’s Report (John)
5. International Secretary’s Report (Phill)
6. Treasurer’s Report (Ian P)
7. Proposals to Amend the EFCC Constitution – March 2024 (Ian P)
8. Election of Officers :-
President
Deputy President
General Secretary
International Secretary
Treasurer
Auditor
9. Any Other Business
10.Date of Next Meeting
John Rhodes 10th February 2024
Thursday, 8th February 2024
John Rhodes
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Executive Committee Meeting (EC) of the English Federation for Correspondence Chess will be held in Bedfordshire, on Saturday 16th March 2024.
If any EFCC Patrons have any questions or comments to raise at our AGM or EC Meetings, please email -
contact@efcchess.org.uk
by 24th February 2024.
John Rhodes, General Secretary
Monday, 5th February 2024
Phill Beckett
The title ICCF Correspondence Chess Master awarded to player Jim Nierobisz with ICCF ID 211586 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
Friday, 2nd February 2024
Phill Beckett
We recently narrowly beat the USA in a 105 board match. The rematch is now set up and play will start soon!
Cross Table (iccf.com)
Friday, 2nd February 2024
Phill Beckett
We have six England teams in the Scottish League
In Division 1 England A and B - Cross Table (iccf.com)
In Division 2 England C and D - Cross Table (iccf.com)
In Division 3 England E and F - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Contemporary System Choices
Saturday, 27th January 2024
Mickey Blake
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An article written by SIM Keith Kitson on the setup of a computer system for chess play and analysis.
Available to be viewed and/or downloaded here -
Contemporary_System_Choices.pdf (3mb)
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EFCC Correspondent Magazine - Issue 3
Tuesday, 9th January 2024
Mickey Blake
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Mickey Blake has published the latest issue of 'EFCC Correspondent'.
The 3rd edition of this very high quality magazine can be viewed and/or downloaded here -
Correspondent_003.pdf (21mb)
Want future issues delivered straight to your Inbox ? Contact Mickey Blake by Email here to place yourself on the mailing list.
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Sunday,7th January 2024
Ian Pheby
On 25th November 2023 the British Correspondence Chess Association (BCCA) decided to request to amalgamate with the English Federation for Correspondence Chess (EFCC). The EFCC held an Extraordinary General Meeting on 6th January 2024 to discuss "Ratification of the BCCA request to amalgamate with the EFCC.". The EFCC EGM ratified the BCCA request, and therefore with effect from 6th January 2024 the EFCC has amalgamated with the BCCA.
How will this affect the EFCC?
1. The EFCC will be offering some new tournaments with prize money, namely:
EFCC Medal tournaments
EFCC Continuous tournament
EFCC William Mason Championship
Details about these tournaments and how to enter, all of which will be ICCF rated, will appear on the EFCC website and will be sent to all English flagged players.
The EFCC will also continue to offer the English Correspondence Chess Championship (ECCC) and the English Veterans’ Correspondence Chess Championship (EVCCC) as usual.
2. The EFCC will be offering three English titles: EFCC Senior Master title (ESM), EFCC Master title (EM), and EFCC Candidate Master title (ECM). Details of these titles and the criteria to obtain these titles will be published on the EFCC website soon.
3. The EFCC intends to publish a calendar of its tournaments and other important dates in due course.
4. All English flagged players will be able to participate in the new tournaments and obtain English titles.
I hope that all English flagged players will take up the opportunity to play in the above tournaments.
Ian M Pheby
EFCC President
January 2024
Sunday,7th January 2024
Ian Pheby
The English Federation of Correspondence Chess (EFCC) is pleased to announce that the 2024 EFCC Medals tournaments will be held which will start in April 2024. All English flagged players are invited to enter this new tournament!
The entry fee is £3 and should be made through the Online Fee Payment facility at the EFCC website. Please use “Medals” as your reference.
There shall be three levels of tournament with all standards of player catered for. The games will be played on the ICCF webserver, and there will be no end date.
The ICCF standard time control of 10 moves in 40 days with duplication after 20 days will be used. 45 days of leave per year are available to each player. Players cannot agree to a draw before move 25. All games are ICCF rated.
Prizes
EFCC Gold Medal tournament: Winner receives an engraved medal and £20 in prize money.
EFCC Silver Medal tournament. Winner receives an engraved medal and £15 in prize money.
EFCC Bronze Medal tournament. Winner receives an engraved medal and £10 in prize money.
The full Rules can be seen under "Medals Tournaments” in the left-hand Menu of the EFCC website or click here : EFCC Medals Tournament Rules
The closing date for entries is 15th March 2024. Pairings will be issued as soon as possible after that date.
All English chess players are heartily invited to enter this tournament, both for the enjoyment of the games and for friendly contact/communication.
Tournament Organiser: Ian M Pheby -
Sunday,7th January 2024
Ian Pheby
The English Federation of Correspondence Chess (EFCC) is pleased to announce that the EFCC Continuous tournament will be held which will start as soon as sufficient entries are received (see below). All English flagged players are invited to enter this new tournament!
This tournament will be run in three stages: preliminary, semi-final and final. Preliminary groups will consist of four players, double round all-play-all, with the winner (with a plus score) progressing to the next semi-final. Semi-final groups will consist of six players, double round all-play-all, with the winner (with a plus score) progressing to the next final which would consist of nine players, single round.
Winners will be determined using all ICCF tie breaks (where there is a multiple tie after all tie breaks have been applied all players will qualify).
The entry fee is £4 per preliminary group entered, and there is no additional entry fee for a semi-final or final. Players may enter as many preliminary groups as they wish.
All players will start in a preliminary group and there will be no seeding. Entry should be made through the Online Fee Payment facility at the EFCC website. Please use “CT” as your reference.
The ICCF Triple Block time control will be used in all group, with 350 days in the Preliminary and Semi Final groups, and 550 days in a final. All games are ICCF rated.
Cash prizes will be available at each of the three stages. Preliminary stage winners receive £10. Semi-final stage winners receive £25. In the final the prizes are £200, £100, and £50.
The full Rules can be seen under "Continuous Tournament” in the left-hand Menu of the EFCC website or click here : EFCC Continuous Tournament Rules
Pairings will be issued as soon as sufficient entries have been received to start a new group.
All English chess players are heartily invited to enter this tournament, both for the enjoyment of the games and for friendly contact/communication.
Tournament Organiser: Keith Kitson -
Thursday, 30th November 2023
John Rhodes
The EFCC Executive Committee announce that an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) shall be held on 6th January 2024 at 1:00pm as a Zoom meeting. Eligible players wishing to attend the meeting should register their interest with the EFCC Secretary, John Rhodes, by no later than 16th December 2023.
Email John Here
The business of the EGM shall be "Ratification of the BCCA request to amalgamate with the EFCC.". The EFCC Secretary will inform registered players of the Zoom address in due course.
John Rhodes, General Secretary
Last Updated - Saturday 20th January 2024
Keith Kitson
The English Federation For Correspondence Chess (EFCC) is pleased to announce the Fourth EVCCC will commence on 5th March 2024.
It is open only to those players who:
are aged 60 years or over on the date the tournament starts
and are registered or able (in the case of new players) to be registered to play under the England flag in the ICCF.
The full Rules, tournament structure, eligibility, prizes etc. can be seen under "English Veterans CC Championship (EVCCC)" on the EFCC website here : EVCCC Webpage.
Entries should be received by 1st February 2024 with a fee of £13.00 by cheque or online at the EFCC website. Entries may be made by PayPal through this website quoting “EVCCC”. Alternatively, cheques made payable to “EFCC” should be sent to :
Keith Kitson 39 Carters Close, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG2 9QA.
Pairings will be issued as soon as possible after the closing date for entries.
The adjudication date shall be 31st December of the 2nd year of play, which allows approximately 21½ months of playing time.
Tournament Organiser: Keith Kitson
| Current EVCCC Entrants List |
| Name |
Title |
ICCF Number |
| Beckett |
Phillip |
|
210454 |
| Hooker |
Stephen |
CCE |
213068 |
| Pheby |
Ian |
SIM |
210514 |
| Roberts |
Stephen |
|
212579 |
| Toon |
James |
CCE |
213245 |
| Vivante-Sowter |
John |
SIM |
210953 |
| Blake |
Michael J. |
CCM |
210717 |
| Marchant |
Arnold |
CCM |
210690 |
| Kitson |
Keith |
SIM |
210569 |
| Knapton |
Geoff |
|
212357 |
| Nierobisz |
Jim |
CCM |
211586 |
| Cowan |
Alastair |
CCM |
212819 |
| Anthony |
Roberts |
CCM |
211118 |
| Pooley |
Mark C. |
|
211254 |
| Shaw |
Dene |
|
213090 |
| Clark |
David |
|
213133 |
| Herriot |
Brian |
CCE |
211523 |
| Batchelor |
Paul A. |
CCM |
211958 |
| Asquith |
Jerry |
SIM |
211062 |
| Franks |
Keith |
CCE |
211552 |
| Sutton |
Alan B. |
CCE |
210709 |
| Gardner |
Allan |
CCE |
211403 |
| Ruffle |
Alan |
|
212191 |
| Carey |
Graeme |
|
212954 |
Saturday, 6th January 2024
Phill Beckett
The Team to represent England in the Olympiad Preliminaries is as follows;
Harvey Williamson, Leslie Eastoe, Gary Maguire, John Rhodes, Phil Eastlake and John Pugh.
The team is ranked 4th in the section and we need to finish in the top two to qualify for the final.
Follow their progress - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Thursday, 26th December 2023
Phill Beckett
We wish our players good luck in these M.Avotins Memorial Events;
Harvey Williamson in Section A - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Mark Eldridge in Section B - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Keith Kitson in Section C - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Robert Różański in Section D - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Seasonal Greetings!
Wednesday, 13th December 2023
Ian Pheby
As we approach the festive season I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all of England’s players and their families for a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year. I hope that 2024 will prove to be a better year for everyone. I also hope that you enjoy success in your games in 2024 and beyond. Ian M Pheby, EFCC President
Friday, 8th December 2023
Phill Beckett
We have a new 42 board match against Wales. Follow the progress - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Sunday, 3rd December 2023
Phill Beckett
We have a match against new opposition - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Sunday, 3rd December 2023
Phill Beckett
Despite not losing a game England failed to qualify for the final of European Team Championship.
We drew every match and indeed every game!
Cross Table (iccf.com)
Saturday, 2nd December 2023
Phill Beckett
England suffered a defeat in our friendly match against the Philippines - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Thursday, 30th November 2023
Phill Beckett
The player Leslie K. G. Eastoe with ICCF ID 211880 has achieved enough norms to receive the title of ICCF International Master. Congratulations.
Wednesday, 22nd November 2023
Phill Beckett
The player Mike Richardt with ICCF ID 212207 has achieved enough norms to receive the title of ICCF International Master. Congratulations.
Tuesday, 21st November 2023
Phill Beckett
The player Alastair Cowan with ICCF ID 212819 has achieved enough norms to receive the title of ICCF Correspondence Chess Master. Congratulations.
Saturday, 18th November 2023
Phill Beckett
England defeated by Mexico in friendly match - Cross Table (iccf.com)
We have issued a challenge for a rematch !
Wednesday, 8th November 2023
Phill Beckett
Les Ellis was so close to the next stage of the world championship. Needing a top two finish he finished in third place on tie break!
Cross Table (iccf.com)
Tuesday, 7th November 2023
Phill Beckett
The player David Hamilton with ICCF ID 211621 has achieved enough norms to receive the title of ICCF Correspondence Chess Master. Congratulations.
Tuesday, 7th November 2023
Phill Beckett
Joint winners in EFCC Ray Pomeroy Memorial B.
Robert Rozanski and James Toon finished equal first. None of the tie breaks could split them!
Cross Table (iccf.com)
Sunday, 5th November 2023
Phill Beckett
Senior Cup Final
We wish Frank McDermott every success in the final of this highly competitive event
Cross Table (iccf.com)
Tuesday, 31st October 2023
Phill Beckett
Congratulations to the EFCC president Ian Pheby on winning the event on tie break ahead of a strong field.
Cross Table (iccf.com)
Saturday, 21st October 2023
Phill Beckett
Congratulations to Roy McCormick on winning one of the Ray Pomeroy Memorial sections.
Cross Table (iccf.com)
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