Discover the basics of FIDE chess titles, covering tournament achievements, ratings, and the journey to titles like Grandmaster and International Master. Whether you're a chess fan or aspiring player, this concise guide breaks down the key steps to earning prestigious titles in the chess world. Find out how. ⬇️
TITLE
The rules for obtaining FIDE chess titles are defined by the FIDE Title Regulations (https://handbook.fide.com/chapter/B012023). There are titles awarded based on performance in important tournaments (known as Direct Titles), titles awarded solely based on achieved ratings, and titles based on norms and minimum ratings.
A) DIRECT TITLES
The title that can be won at a tournament is defined by the following regulations (https://handbook.fide.com/chapter/B01DirectTitles2017). For such a title to be recognized, players must have at least the following ratings:
GM 2300 IM 2200 WGM 2100 WIM 2000 FM 2100 CM 2000 WFM 1900 WCM 1800
If an applicant has a lower rating, the title is conditionally awarded and will be granted finally upon request by the respective federation as soon as the minimum rating is achieved. Any player with a conditional title may obtain a lower title when they reach the required rating for that lower title.
B) TITLES BASED SOLELY ON RATINGS
The following titles are earned solely based on achieved ratings:
FM ≥ 2300 CM ≥ 2200 WFM ≥ 2100 WCM ≥ 2000
The player's required rating does not need to be published; the player can achieve it during a tournament (LIVE rating). What that means? If a player achieves a performance rating during a tournament that is equal to or higher than the required rating, they have fulfilled the condition at that moment, regardless of their later results and outcome.
C) TITLES BASED ON NORMS AND RATINGS
This group includes GM, IM, WGM, and WIM titles.
For a player to be awarded a title, they must have a minimum of 27 games within achieved norms (typically 3 norms with 9 games each).
In addition to norms, the player must have a minimum achieved rating, which does not need to be published; the player can achieve it during a tournament (LIVE rating):
GM ≥ 2500 IM ≥ 2400 WGM ≥ 2300 WIM ≥ 2200
Please feel free to dig deeper here:
https://handbook.fide.com/chapter/B012023 https://handbook.fide.com/chapter/B01DirectTitles2017
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