The first telex Olympiads brought 13 teams into action. Those time, when there was no internet, telex was a method of sending text-based messages, separate from the telephone system, and messages could be sent and received worldwide – perfect for interstate and international chess matches. However it all took time and the games were painfully slow. Also, the possibilities to prevent cheats were very limited.

With many top OTB players participated, surprisingly strong teams of West Germany and England were eliminated on early stage. Mighty Soviet side beat Australia 5½ to 2½ and then easily wiped out the Netherlands to qualify to the final. Another finalists were East Germany defeating two Scandinavian teams. The grand final took place on December 2nd, 1978 and the Soviet Union won by 5 to 3, without concedeing a single game.