I wanted to share a personal experience that might resonate with some of you. I've been diagnosed with ADD and major depressive syndrome, and for a long time, I struggled to enjoy over-the-board chess.
The fast pace and constant need for focus left me feeling drained and frustrated – blaming myself for not being able to concentrate.
Then, I discovered correspondence chess! This format allows for a much slower pace, giving me the time I need to analyze positions and make thoughtful moves. It's been a game-changer. No more pressure, just the joy of strategic thinking without the stress.
Do you ever feel like traditional chess isn't quite the right fit?
If you struggle with focus or find the fast pace overwhelming, correspondence chess could be for you! Here are a couple of options to get you started:
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ICCF.com (International Correspondence Chess Federation): This is the official platform for serious correspondence chess with tournaments and rankings.
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Daily Chess on chess.com: This is a more casual option where you can play correspondence games at your own pace.
Let me know in the comments if you've tried correspondence chess, or if you're interested in giving it a go!