Welcome to another blog, Chess Enthusiasts! Today, we will double-check on a fascinating exploration of the intricacies within the International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF) rules. Specifically, we unravel the “Seven Pieces Rule” and its connection to endgame tablebases alongside the well-known “50-Move Rule.” Let’s dive into the world of correspondence chess, where strategic prowess meets computational precision.
The “Seven Pieces Rule” in chess is a distinctive feature in correspondence chess under ICCF rules, intricately tied to using endgame tablebases. According to ICCF guidelines, if a player has seven pieces or fewer on the board, the endgame can be claimed as a win or draw with reference to endgame tablebases³. This rule discourages premature resignations, prompting players to leverage the exhaustive analysis stored in these databases.
Endgame tablebases can be pivotal in correspondence chess, especially with recent ICCF Congress decisions. Players can claim a win or draw if the position can be resolved in a 7-piece tablebase position¹. ICCF has an agreement with LiChess to provide Tournament Directors free access to the 7-piece Syzygy tablebases. These computer databases offer precise calculations for optimal play, ensuring certainty in endgame positions.
Syzygy tablebases, allowing perfect play with up to 7 pieces², bring an additional layer to correspondence chess. They enable players to navigate through complex endgames, adhering to the fifty-move drawing rule while maximizing their strategic potential.
Players seeking to claim based on 7-piece tablebases must follow a specific procedure. Claims are only valid for positions resolved by these tablebases. The process is similar to other ICCF claims; players can use the dropdown menu on the game page to either “Claim a win” or “Claim a draw.” In the claim form, players must explicitly state that they are claiming based on endgame tablebases. They can claim based on the current board position or propose a move and claim based on that position. However, the proposed move must not be played on the board; otherwise, the player must wait until the next turn before filing the claim. Once submitted, the server automatically evaluates the position and sets the result if the claim is correct. Notably, claims in team matches are now submitted directly to the server, eliminating the need to go through team captains.
The well-known “50-Move Rule,” as the ICCF outlines, allows a player to claim a draw if no capture or pawn move occurs in the last fifty moves. However, an interesting caveat arises: this rule only applies when more than seven pieces remain on the board. Players can leverage the Seven Pieces Rule and refer to endgame tablebases for potential game-changing strategies when the game reaches a critical juncture with seven pieces or fewer.
Understanding these rules is essential for correspondence chess players seeking to master the game. The Seven Pieces Rule encourages tenacity as players navigate the endgame armed with insights from endgame tablebases. Meanwhile, the 50-move rule adds additional complexity, urging players to carefully manage move counts and strategically reset the counter when necessary.
You might wonder WHY you can even use a tablebase.
If no tablebase rule was implemented, it could lead to endless games in certain situations. This is particularly true in complex endgame scenarios where perfect play is required to secure a win or a draw. Without the use of tablebases, players might struggle to find the optimal moves, leading to prolonged games.
While the absence of a tablebase rule might not necessarily lead to endless games due to the fifty-move rule, it could lead to inaccuracies in the adjudication of complex endgames and potentially unfair outcomes. The implementation of the tablebase rule helps to mitigate these issues, ensuring that games are decided by skill and strategic understanding rather than computational power alone.
In correspondence chess, the use of additional tools varies based on the platform and tournament rules. Here’s a straightforward breakdown:
ICCF Tournaments:
The International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF) allows chess engines in their tournaments. This practice is sometimes referred to as “Centaur Chess.”. It’s crucial to note that while engines can offer valuable analysis, they cannot complement human strategy and understanding. Successful players often use engines to explore ideas, guide the analysis, and make final decisions. Utilizing an engine to analyze positions and calculate variations is beneficial, but understanding the positions, strategies, and tactics is equally important.
ICCF also permits the use of opening books and databases in their tournaments. These tools are valuable for studying positions, understanding plans, and considering alternative moves for both sides.
USCF Tournaments on ICCF Platform:
For US Chess Correspondence Chess (CC) tournaments on the ICCF platform, using computer programs or algorithms to generate moves is NOT allowed. Players are required to analyze the game and decide on their moves independently.
The USCF does permit the use of opening books in their correspondence chess. It’s essential to remember that while opening books provides valuable insights, they are not a substitute for human strategy and understanding.
These are general guidelines, and specific tournaments may have additional rules. Always check the specific regulations for each tournament you participate in.
However, the true essence of correspondence chess lies in profound analysis. Simply following engine moves may not lead to success. The luxury of time in correspondence chess allows for deep exploration of positions, often resulting in the discovery of brilliant, non-intuitive moves. The ultimate goal is to reach a complicated, imbalanced position.
I had the pleasure of playing against Correspondence Chess Master Christophe David-Bordier (ELO 2374), a very experienced player from France.
Christophe David-Bordier is a recognized player in the world of correspondence chess. He holds the title of Correspondence Chess Master (CCM) and was awarded the Correspondence Chess Expert (CCE) in 2017. He has completed 1220 games, winning 287 of them, and has played in 129 tournaments. His play is characterized by strategic planning and a deep understanding of the game. He has also participated in the 12th Chess 960 World Cup. His current rating is 2379.
Christophe played an opening as White which is close to my repertoire, and I was pretty confident. As you can see, it’s going a bit back and forth until his brilliant move 42. h5! However, the root cause for my troubled position was earlier. My move 27… c6 should have been 27… b6. However, his position was very strong already.
The game is a win for White because white could claim a win due to 7 piece tablebases. With move 71. no draw is possible, therefore, Black resigned. The 50 moves rule is excluded, because less than seven pieces on the board.
In conclusion, these rules are specific to correspondence chess under ICCF guidelines, distinguishing this form of play from others. Welcome to the nuanced world of correspondence chess and its particular tactics. Those experienced players virtuously play with rules and tactics such as the Seven Pieces and 50-Move Rule.
Amici Sumus
I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s post. Feel free to share your favorite chess strategy or ask any questions you may have.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 12/6/2023
Player Details Christophe David-Bordier
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