New ICCF GM title for Ian M Pheby
The EFCC is pleased to announce that Ian M Pheby, the EFCC Treasurer, former EFCC President, and the recipient of the first EFCC Life Time Achievement Award, has obtained his second ICCF GM norm and therefore the ICCF GM title. Ian is only the 20th English player to have obtained the ICCF GM title. At 75 years and 173 days Ian is the second oldest player to be awarded the ICCF GM title. The oldest was Hermann Heemsoth (GER) who was 78 years old when he became an ICCF GM in 1987.
Ian’s first GM norm was obtained in the Koshnitzky Memorial in 2004. See https://www.iccf.com/event?id=35395 for the cross table. His second GM norm was obtained in the 2nd Dobri Semov Memorial Open 0-2750 D in 2026. See https://www.iccf.com/event?id=110875 for the cross table.
Though his current rating in the 2026/4 ICCF rating list is only 2416, his highest rating was 2621 back in the 2004/2 ICCF rating list.
Ian plays in a variety of events against all standards of opponent and is currently trying to qualify for the World Championship Final in WCCC46CT2. Here is one of his games from the Candidates WCCC43CT2 in which Ian finished equal third, against GM Hans-Dieter Wunderlich (GER) who finished in second place in World Championship 24 Final, and has also been a member of the successful teams from Germany in the ICCF Olympiads. Hans-Dieter also holds more ICCF GM norms, 18, than any other ICCF player.
SIM Pheby, Ian M (2392) – GM Wunderlich, Hans-Dieter (2567) [B22]
WCCC43CT 2, 2023 [Pheby,Ian M.]
[I normally prefer 1. d4 openings but for this game I thought I would be a little more aggressive.] 1.e4 c5 2.c3 [One of many options for white.] 2...Nf6 [2...d5 is a reasonable alternative.] 3.e5 Nd5 4.Nf3 d6 5.d4 cxd4 6.cxd4 Nc6 7.Bc4 dxe5 [7...Nb6 8.Bb5 can also be considered.] 8.dxe5 [The position is equal.] 8...Be6 [8...Ndb4 9.Qb3 e6 10.0–0 Na5 has also been seen.] 9.0–0 g6 10.Qe2 Qc7 11.Bd2 Bg7 12.Qe4 Rd8 13.Nc3 Nxc3 14.Bxc3 [A sharp opening with opportunities for both players.] 14...Bxc4 15.Qxc4 e6?! [15...0–0 perhaps should have been considered.] 16.Bb4! [stops black from castling.] 16...Bf8 [An alternative is 16...Bxe5 17.Nxe5 Qxe5 18.Bc3 Nd4 19.Rae1 (19.Rfe1 Qf4 20.Qb4 Rd5 21.Rac1 (21.Rad1? Ne2+ 22.Kf1 Qxb4 23.Bxb4 Nf4–+) 21...Ne2+ 22.Rxe2! Qxc1+ 23.Re1+–) 19...Qf4 20.Qb4 Rd7 21.Kh1 a5 22.Qc5 b6 23.Qxb6 Nf3 24.Rxe6+ fxe6 25.Qxe6+ Kf8 26.gxf3 Qxf3+ 27.Kg1 Re7 28.Qc8+ Re8 29.Qd7 Re7 30.Qc8+=] 17.Bxf8 Kxf8 18.Qf4 h6 19.h4 Kg7 20.h5 gxh5 21.Rfe1 Rhg8 22.Rac1 Rd5 23.Rc3 Qd7 24.Ree3 Qe7 25.Rc4 Kh7 26.Qe4+ Kh8 27.Qf4 Kh7 28.Qe4+ Kh8 29.Qf4 Qf8 30.Qh4 Qg7 31.g3 Nxe5 32.Nxe5 Rxe5 33.Rf3 Rf8 34.Rc7 Kg8 35.Rxb7 Qg6 36.Kh2 Re4 37.Qe7 a5 38.Rb5 Re1 39.Rf4 Qb1 40.Rb8 Rh1+ [40...Rxb8 41.Qxf7+ Kh8 42.Qf6+=] 41.Kg2 Rg1+ 42.Kh2 Rh1+ 43.Kg2 Qg1+ 44.Kf3 Qd1+ [44...Rxb8? 45.Qxf7+ Kh8 46.Rd4+– (46.Qf6+ Kh7+–) ] 45.Kg2 Rg1+ 46.Kh2! [46.Kh3?? Qf1+ 47.Kh4 Rh1#] 46...Rh1+ 47.Kg2 Qf1+ 48.Kf3 Qd3+ 49.Kg2 Qf1+ [49...Rxb8? 50.Qxf7+ (50.Kxh1 Qd5+ 51.Kg1 e5) 50...Kh8 51.Kxh1+–] 50.Kf3 Qd3+ 51.Kg2 Qd5+ [51...Rxb8? 52.Qxf7+ (52.Kxh1 Qd5+ 53.Kg1 e5) 52...Kh8 53.Kxh1+–]
52.f3 [Really sharp! I did not want the rook to be pinned.] 52...Qd2+ 53.Kxh1 Qe1+ 54.Kg2 Qe2+ 55.Kg1 Qe1+ 56.Kg2 Qe2+ 57.Kg1 Qe3+ 58.Kg2 Rxb8 59.Qxf7+ [59.Rxf7 gets mated. 59...Qe2+ (59...Rxb2+ 60.Kh3=) 60.Kg1 Qe1+ 61.Kh2 Rxb2+ 62.Kh3 Qh1#] 59...Kh8 60.Qf6+ Kh7 61.Qf7+ Kh8
[A very interesting and enjoyable game against a top opponent.]
½–½
Congratulations Ian on your ICCF GM title which is well deserved.
New Title
The title ICCF International Master awarded to player Arnold Marchant with ICCF ID 210690 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner.
Congratulations.
EFCC Executive Committee Meeting
Our next Executive Committee meeting will be held on Saturday 24th October, 2026 in Royston, Hertfordshire.
If any eligible EFCC members have anything that they would like discussed at our meeting, please email Peter here by 10th October, 2026 at the latest.
Peter Rice, General Secretary
English Players in World Championship Candidates
We wish our players success in the Candidates events which will start soon. The first two in each event will qualify for the final. John Pugh in section 1, Ian Pheby in section 2 and Richard Hall in section 3. Good luck.
THE 2026 WILLIAM MASON CHAMPIONSHIP - UPDATE
We have received 23 confirmed entries.
William Mason 2026
Entries Closed : 28/08/2026
Start Date : 15/09/2026
Adjudication Date : 31/07/2028
| 2026 WILLIAM MASON CHAMPIONSHIP Entrants List | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Title | ICCF | Rating | |
| Bailey | Matthew W. | SIM | 213011 | 2449 |
| Broomfield | Daniel | CCM | 213376 | 2414 |
| Brotherton | Trevor S | CCM | 210823 | 2399 |
| Craven | Valerie | IM | 210605 | 2418 |
| Grobler | Dave | CCM | 210847 | 2401 |
| Hardingham | David | 213224 | 1906 | |
| Knapton | Geoff | CCM | 212357 | 2262 |
| Maguire | Gary | IM | 212175 | 2420 |
| Marchant | Arnold | CCM | 210690 | 2378 |
| Mason | Ian J | CCM | 219137 | 2432 |
| McMahon | Frank | 211460 | 1720 | |
| Nierobisz | Jim | IM | 211586 | 2418 |
| Owen | K.J. | CCM | 210370 | 2346 |
| Pearce | Andrew | 211704 | 1591 | |
| Picken | R. David | 211815 | 1530 | |
| Pooley | Mark C. | 211254 | 2135 | |
| Rawlings | Alan J.C. | SIM | 210745 | 2379 |
| Richardt | Mike | IM | 212207 | 2376 |
| Sutton | Alan B | CCE | 210709 | 2197 |
| Tymms | J.D.M. | 211163 | 1986 | |
| Webster | Richard | SIM | 212803 | 2455 |
| Wharrier | Jo | IM | 210108 | 2439 |
| White | Alan | 212931 | 1094 | |
New Title
The title ICCF Senior International Master awarded to player Antony Copsey with ICCF ID 212104 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
THE 2026 WILLIAM MASON CHAMPIONSHIP - UPDATE
| Current 2026 WILLIAM MASON CHAMPIONSHIP Entrants List | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Title | ICCF | Rating | |
| Bailey | Matthew W. | SIM | 213011 | 2449 |
| Craven | Valerie | IM | 210605 | 2418 |
| Mason | Ian J. | CCM | 219137 | 2432 |
| Broomfield | Daniel | CCM | 213376 | 2414 |
| Maguire | Gary | IM | 212175 | 2420 |
| White | Alan | SIM | 212931 | 1094 |
| Grobler | David J. | CCM | 210847 | 2401 |
| Webster | Richard | SIM | 212803 | 2455 |
| Richardt | Mike | IM | 212207 | 2376 |
| Hardingham | David | 213224 | 1906 | |
| Tymms | J.D.M. | 211163 | 1986 | |
| Sutton | Alan B. | CCE | 210709 | 2197 |
| Owen | K.J. | CCM | 210370 | 2346 |
| Pooley | Mark C. | 211254 | 2135 | |
| Nierobisz | Jim | IM | 211586 | 2418 |
| Marchant | Arnold | CCM | 210690 | 2378 |
| Picken | R. David | 211815 | 1530 | |
| McMahon | Frank | 211460 | 1720 | |
| Knapton | Geoff | CCM | 212357 | 2262 |
This is just a reminder to announce that entries are now being accepted for the 2026 William Mason Championship. This is a long standing tournament of great renown. Entries are accepted from 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.
The rules for this event are at www.efcchess.org.uk/EFCCWMasonRules.html .
Entry Fee: £5.00 payable through the Online Fee Payment section down the left hand side of this web page quoting “Mason” in the reference. For those players wishing to pay their entry fee by cheque, please contact the treasurer 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 £350, second prize of £150 and a third prize of £100. 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.
Please note the duration of play in the tournament has been increased from approximately 11 months to in excess of 22 months. The extended duration of play has been set to allow most if not all games to be finished rather than going for adjudication. This was considered essential with the level of monetary reward on offer for this tournament.
- Key Dates:
The closing date for entries is 28th August 2026.
Adjudication Date is 31st July 2028.
England Qualify for Olympiad Final
England finished second in their group equal on points with the winners but losing out by the narrowest margin on tie break.
Well done to the team of ; Harvey Williamson, Leslie Eastose, Gary Maguire, John Rhodes, Phil Eastlake and John Pugh.
We did not lose a single game and well done to Gary and John who scored wins.
Computer Free Events
We have just started three new computer free events;
ICCF Cross Table - https://www.iccf.com/event?id=114123
ICCF Cross Table - https://www.iccf.com/event?id=114124
ICCF Cross Table - https://www.iccf.com/event?id=114125
North Atlantic VIII Event
This event has just finished with England A & B finishing second equal with Spain and finishing just half a point behind Portugal.
New Home Nations Event for Teams Under 2200
The British Committee have organised an event for teams of 7 graded under 2200.
There are four English teams and one from Wales and Scotland.
New Title
The title ICCF Correspondence Chess Master awarded to player Daniel Courtney with ICCF ID 213386 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
New Title
The title ICCF Correspondence Chess Expert awarded to player Mark C. Pooley with ICCF ID 211254 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
Announcement For The British Championship
The 2026/28 British Correspondence Chess Championship will commence play on 1st October 2026, registration is now open.
The Championship section is usually around Category 8, so this should be a very attractive prospect for British players looking for SIM or even GM norms (but please note that we cannot guarantee entry to the Championship section, even for players rated over 2,400).
The Candidates section may also carry title norms, however in order to be classed as a title tournament, we do need to have a mix of players of different nationalities and we usually have a lot more English players than Welsh or Scottish players. If you are a Scottish or Welsh player rated 2,200 - 2,400 then you are strongly encouraged to enter to improve the chances for all participants for earning title norms. If more than 15 players are qualified for the Candidates, we will run it in the Silli format. This year we are guaranteeing all players rated 2,200 or higher a place in either the Candidates or the Championship, because we had a few mismatches in last year's Reserves.
The last section will be the Reserves, which might carry minor norms, it you are rated below 2,200 and are seeking CCE or CCM norms, then this is the event for you! - Again, if more than 15 players qualify, we will run it in the Silli format.
The entry fee this year is €10.50 Euros (unfortunately that's a significant increase from last year, due to increased ICCF fees, but it's still less than £10 and so represents good value when compared to other ICCF title events). There are no prizes other than the title "British Correspondence Chess Champion".
Entry is via the ICCF Direct Entry system, please log onto the ICCF website, select "New Events" from the menu, and then "Wales" from the list of categories. We will close entries on Monday 21st September.
The British Championship, having been run annually since 1921, is the most prestigious correspondence chess event of the British calendar, and all British correspondence chess players are cordially invited to participate.
The rules for the 2026/28 season are here.
British Championship Organising Committee
Austin Lockwood (Wales)
Phill Beckett (England)
Andrew Macmillen (Scotland)
Keith Kitson (Tournament Director)
New Non-Computer Chess Tournament
We are pleased to announce a new non-computer chess tournament for players who enjoy the game in its purest form: Correspondence Chess, with no engines, no ratings pressure, and no prizes beyond the satisfaction of a well-played game.
Entry is completely free, all games will be unrated, and there will be no money or trophy prizes—just good, honest chess in a friendly and competitive spirit.
Anyone wishing to take part should send their entry to Phill Beckett ().
Further details, including dates, and playing schedule, will be confirmed in due course.
ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE 2026 WILLIAM MASON CHAMPIONSHIP
The EFCC is pleased to announce that entries are now being accepted for the 2026 William Mason Championship. This is a long standing tournament of great renown. Entries are accepted from 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.
The rules for this event are at www.efcchess.org.uk/EFCCWMasonRules.html .
Entry Fee: £5.00 payable through the Online Fee Payment section down the left hand side of this web page quoting “Mason” in the reference. For those players wishing to pay their entry fee by cheque, please contact the treasurer 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 £350, second prize of £150 and a third prize of £100. 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.
Please note the duration of play in the tournament has been increased from approximately 11 months to in excess of 22 months. The extended duration of play has been set to allow most if not all games to be finished rather than going for adjudication. This was considered essential with the level of monetary reward on offer for this tournament.
- Key Dates:
The closing date for entries is 28th August 2026.
Adjudication Date is 31st July 2028.
Memorial Events
The EFCC has organised three events for well respected colleagues.
Chris Shephard - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Toni Halliwell - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Andrew Dearnley - Cross Table (iccf.com)
New Title
The title ICCF International Master awarded to player Valerie Craven with ICCF ID 210605 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
New Title
The title ICCF International Master awarded to player Joseph Beech with ICCF ID 213377 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
New Title
The title ICCF International Master awarded to player Dene Shaw with ICCF ID 213090 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
New Title
The title ICCF International Master awarded to player Stan J. Grayland with ICCF ID 211452 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
Announcement of EFCC EGM.
An EGM meeting will be held on Saturday 16th May, 2026 on Zoom.
The EGM is specifically called to administer essential changes to the EFCC Constitution.
Peter Rice, General Secretary
ENGLISH FEDERATION FOR CORRESPONDENCE CHESS
Agenda for the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to be held on Saturday 16th May 2026, at 1300hrs. by Zoom only.
1. Apologies for absence.
2. Proposals for amendments to the EFCC Constitution.
President
Keith Kitson - 13th April 2026
New Title
The title ICCF International Master awarded to player Michael J. Blake with ICCF ID 210717 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
New Title
The title ICCF Correspondence Chess Expert awarded to player Daniel Courtney with ICCF ID 213386 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
New Title
The title ICCF Correspondence Chess Master awarded to player Joseph Beech with ICCF ID 213377 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
New Title
The title ICCF Correspondence Chess Master awarded to player Geoff Knapton with ICCF ID 212357 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
World Championship
We wish all our players good luck in the world preliminaries.
Les Ellis in section one - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Keith Kitson in section four - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Valerie Craven in section eight - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Robert Różański in section nine - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Alan Rawlings in section fourteen - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Jim Nierobisz in section sixteen - Cross Table (iccf.com)
Welsh Invitational Event
We wish Les Ellis good luck in this strong (category 11) - Cross Table (iccf.com)
EFCC AGM Announcement
Our AGM and Executive Committee meeting will be held on Saturday 28th March, 2026 on Zoom.
If any eligible EFCC members have anything that they would like discussed at our meeting, please email Peter here by 14th March, 2026 at the latest.
Peter Rice, General Secretary
ENGLISH FEDERATION FOR CORRESPONDENCE CHESS
Agenda for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held on Saturday 28th March 2026, at 1300hrs. by Zoom only.
1. Apologies for Absence
2. Minutes of the Last Meeting (22nd March 2025)
3. Matters Arising
4. General Secretary’s Report (Peter)
5. International Secretary’s Report (Phill)
6. Treasurer’s Report (Ian P)
7. Proposals for amendments to the EFCC Constitution (Ian P.)
8. Election of Officers: -
President
Deputy President
General Secretary
International Secretary
Treasurer
9. Appointment of Auditor (Keith)
10. Any Other Business
11. Date of Next Meeting
Keith Kitson - 13th February 2026
New Title
The title ICCF Senior International Master awarded to player Stephen Hooker with ICCF ID 213068 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
New Title
The title ICCF Senior International Master awarded to player Brian Thompson with ICCF ID 210854 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
New Title
The title ICCF Correspondence Chess Master awarded to player Jonathan Curry-Machado with ICCF ID 213237 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
5th English Veterans' Correspondence Chess Championship
| Current 5th English Veterans' Correspondence Chess Championship Entrants List | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | ICCF | Title | ||
| McMahon, Frank | 211460 | |||
| Vivante-Sowter, John | 210953 | SIM | ||
| Beckett, Phillip J | 210454 | |||
| Ellis, Les | 211229 | GM | ||
| Marchant, Arnold | 210690 | CCM | ||
| Hipwell, Colin | 212063 | |||
| Sutton, Alan B | 210709 | CCE | ||
| Roberts, Anthony A | 211118 | CCM | ||
| Kitson, Keith | 210569 | SIM | ||
| Nierobitz, Jim | 211586 | IM | ||
| Norman, Nigel | 210619 | CCM | ||
| Rawlings, Alan J C | 210745 | SIM | ||
| Knapton, Geoff | 212357 | CCE | ||
| Gardner, Eric P | 212406 | |||
| Franks, Keith | 211552 | CCE | ||
| Perrin, Richard D | 211280 | CCM | ||
| Grobler, David J | 210847 | CCM | ||
| Hardwick, Martin E | 620648 | |||
| Batchelor, Paul A | 211958 | CCM | ||
| Brotherton, Trevor S | 210823 | CCM | ||
Above are the current entries for the 5th EVCCC tournament, so far.
A big thank you to all who have registered early for this tournament.
Calling all seasoned players (ie those players over 60 years of age).
Please do not leave it too late to register.
Entries should be received by 1st February 2026 with a fee of £13.00 by cheque or online at the EFCC website.
Entries may be made by PayPal through this website quoting “5th EVCCC”.
Registration fees paid by cheque should be sent to the EFCC Treasurer at the address below:
Mr Ian M Pheby
Oaklea Cottage
Horsham Road
Capel
Dorking
Surrey
RH5 5JH
Tournament Organiser: Keith Kitson, for and on behalf of the EFCC.
New Title
The title ICCF Senior International Master awarded to player Robert Różański with ICCF ID 421439 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
New Title
The title ICCF Correspondence Chess Expert awarded to player Igor Chychekov with ICCF ID 213308 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
New Title
The title ICCF Correspondence Chess Expert awarded to player Sean Clark has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
New Title
The title ICCF International Master awarded to player Stephen Hooker with ICCF ID 213068 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
New EC Member
I am pleased to announce that Matthew Bailey has joined the EFCC Executive Committee. Matthew will be a useful addition to the Executive Committee, and I wish him well in his work for the EFCC. Welcome Matt!
Keith Kitson
EFCC President
New Title
The title ICCF Correspondence Chess Master awarded to player Daniel Broomfield with ICCF ID 213376 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
New Title
The title ICCF Correspondence Chess Expert awarded to player Joseph Beech with ICCF ID 213377 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
Seasons Greetings!
As the 2025 festive season rapidly approaches, 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 2026 will prove to be a better year for everyone. I also hope that you enjoy success in your games in 2026 and beyond.
Warm regards,
Keith Kitson
EFCC President
Selected Players for Brazil Invitation Events
Congratulations to the following players on their selection;
Catergory 7 event
421439 IM Różański, Robert (2431)
517775 SIM Deakin, Christopher (2433)
Catergory 6 event
210332 CCM Wilkinson, James P. (2386)
210605 CCM Craven, Valerie (2390)
Catergory 1 event
212116 CCM Spanton, Tim (2330)
New Title
The title ICCF Correspondence Chess Expert awarded to player Martin Fleury with ICCF ID 211147 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
Second England International Triple Block Open
Second England International Triple Block Open
The English Federation for Correspondence Chess (EFCC) is pleased to announce the Second England International Triple Block Open.
Registered players will be grouped by rating using the ICCF 2026/2 rating list. Players will be placed in groups of 11, 13, or 15 players in rating order so that all group members have as similar a rating as possible.
Time Control
The event will be played in one stage on the ICCF server with each group being played using the Triple Block time control with a tournament duration of 350 days. No guaranteed time will be available after move 50.
All groups will be rated. Norms for ICCF titles will be available in all groups that meet the criteria required by the ICCF.
Entry
All entries may be made by Direct Entry (go to ‘New events’ ‘England’) or through a player’s National Federation. The entry fee is 14.00 Euros by Direct Entry for each entry. Alternatively, you may enter through ‘Online Fee Payment’ down the left-side of this webpage quoting ‘Triple Block’. The entry fee through the EFCC website is £12.50 for each entry. If you wish to pay by cheque then make the cheque payable to EFCC for £12.50 and send it to Mr Ian M Pheby, Oaklea Cottage, Horsham Road, Capel, Dorking, Surrey RH5 5JH.
Each player may enter a maximum of two groups. Players making a second entry will be placed in the group immediately after their first group. Entries are not permitted by email.
The closing date for entries is 18th March 2026. Pairings will be issued as soon as possible after that date. The official start date is 18th April 2026.
Prizes
No prize money is being offered. Certificates for the top three players in each group will be available subject to those players obtaining a positive score. The tiebreaker system for tied players will be: 1. Baumbach; 2. Sonneborn-Berger; 3. the results of the players tied with each other; 4. the lowest rating of the tied players in the group at the start of the tournament.
All chess players are heartily invited to enter this event, both for the enjoyment of games and for friendly contact/communication with players around the world.
Amici sumus.
SIM Keith Kitson, EFCC President
SIM Ian M. Pheby, IA, Tournament Organiser
Phillip J. Beckett, IA, England Delegate
New Title
The title ICCF International Grandmaster awarded to player Les Ellis with ICCF ID 211229 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
EFCC Medals Tournament Announcement
Important Update Regarding the Future of the Tournament
The Executive Committee of the EFCC wishes to inform all members and participants of an important decision regarding the EFCC Medals Tournament. Owing to a significant reduction in the number of entries for the 2025 season, the Committee has carefully reviewed the level of support and engagement for the event.
After thorough consideration, it has been determined that there is insufficient support to justify the continued running of the medals tournament in its current form. As a result, the 2025 presentation will be the final occasion on which this tournament is held.
The EFCC would like to express its sincere gratitude to all players, organisers, and supporters who have contributed to the tournament over the years. Your commitment and enthusiasm have been greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support of EFCC activities.
5th English Veterans' Correspondence Chess Championship
The English Federation for Correspondence Chess (EFCC) is pleased to announce the fifth EVCCC will commence on 5th March 2026. Registration is now open, only to those players who:
1. are aged 60 years or over on the date the tournament starts and
2. 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 2026 with a fee of £13.00 by cheque or online at the EFCC website. Entries may be made by PayPal through this website quoting “5th EVCCC”.
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
Registration fees paid by cheque should be sent to the EFCC Treasurer at the address below:
Mr Ian M Pheby
Oaklea Cottage
Horsham Road
Capel
Dorking
Surrey
RH5 5JH
New Title
The title ICCF Correspondence Chess Expert awarded to player Geoff Knapton with ICCF ID 212357 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
New Title
The player Harold Baxter with ICCF ID 213221 has achieved enough norms to receive the title of ICCF Correspondence Chess Master. Congratulations.
Andrew Dearnley †
Andrew Dearnley †
It is with considerable sadness that I must report the very sad and untimely death of Andrew Dearnley. He was 61.
Andrew’s contribution to correspondence chess was enormous. He was the EFCC President in 2016 but stood down due to ill health. He was England’s International Secretary from 2008 to 2017 and again in 2019. He was also a member of several of England’s sub-committees.
Andrew also carried out a considerable amount of work for the ICCF where he was Marketing Director from 2013 to 2017, and was also Non-Title Tournament Commissioner from 2011 to 2013. He introduced the ICCF Aspirers events to the ICCF calendar which are extremely popular.
Andrew obtained the International Master title and the Senior International Master title in 2014, and the International Arbiter title in 2010.
Andrew was a Life Patron of the EFCC. He was awarded the ICCF Bertl von-Massow medal in Silver in 2016.
England will hold a Memorial tournament for Andrew which is likely to start in 2026.
Andrew leaves a wife, two children and two grandchildren. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this time.
RIP Andrew.
Ian M Pheby
EFCC Past President
Christopher C W Shepard
The tribute to Chris prepared by the Sheffield and district chess Archivist Steve Mann can now be seen at - https://mannchess.org.uk/SNotices/2025-09-16ChrisShephard.htm
Match v Scotland
We are now playing our friends from Scotland in a small friendly - Cross Table (iccf.com)
EFCC Executive Committee Meeting
Our next Executive Committee meeting will be held on Saturday 11th October, 2025 in Royston, Hertfordshire.
If any eligible EFCC members have anything that they would like discussed at our meeting, please email Peter here by 27th September, 2025 at the latest.
Peter Rice, General Secretary
New Title
The title ICCF Correspondence Chess Master awarded to player Dene Shaw with ICCF ID 213090 has now been confirmed by the ICCF Qualifications Commissioner. Congratulations.
