the international braille chess association (ibca) is an organization for blind and visually impaired chess players. the international braille chess association originated unofficially in 1951 with the organization of the first international correspondence chess tournament for blind players, by reginald walter bonham; the tournament included 20 players representing 10 countries. it first organized a tournament in 1958, with representatives from seven countries. today, it has grown to encompass over 50 member nations around the world.[1] the ibca hosts two important competitions: the blind chess olympiad and the blind world chess championship.