Correspondence chess is not an overly big topic when it comes to chess. But why not? It's great for opening preparation, you actually find the most "perfect" chess in cc, but it still files in second to otb chess. Why? I think it is because when someone thinks of sending moves and pulling out opening databases they can't think of anything nerdier. It's already bad enough being the "chess" player in your community why would I want it to look like I've taken things overboard? This is all the more true when dealing with teenagers.

  When you look at things this way it does seem that cc chess is pretty nerdy, but I beg a differ. It has to be the least nerdy form of chess out there. OTB players are sacrificing weekend plans, staying in hotels when the tournament is out of town. Going out of town and even sometimes out of state for a tournament. And excluding travel and hotel cost they are probably paying anywhere from 100-500 dollars on entry fees!

  In cc how much time do you sacrifice? Maybe a couple hours a day at tops or you can even spread that out to the lengthy time controls. You're not chunking out any money for travel or hotel expenses and you probably don't spend as near as much money on entry fees as otb players do. This is probably true unless you're a cc nut who enters into the golden knights 10 times (which is 250 dollars), but if you're the average guy like me you probably spend anywhere from 7 dollars to 50 dollars a year on entry fees.

  When you take in all these factors doesn't it seem as though correspondence is for the less dedicated chess players  and the ones with schedules that can't fit in regular tournaments? Also, for those who don't wish to sacrifice all that time and money for just a game? Think about it and let me know your opinion.