Introduction:

In the world of chess, obtaining a FIDE rating is a significant milestone for players aspiring to compete at a higher level and gain recognition internationally. FIDE, the International Chess Federation, regulates and assigns ratings to players based on their performance in rated tournaments. With the increasing prevalence of online chess platforms, acquiring a FIDE rating online has become more accessible. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of obtaining your FIDE rating online, step by step.

Step 1: Register with FIDE Online Arena

The first step in acquiring a FIDE rating online is to register with FIDE Online Arena (FOA). FOA is the official online platform recognized by FIDE for hosting rated tournaments and calculating online ratings. Visit the FIDE Online Arena website and create an account.

Step 2: Play Rated Games

Once you've registered on FOA, start playing rated games. Only games played in FIDE-rated tournaments on FOA will count towards your online rating. Ensure that the tournaments you participate in are FIDE-rated and adhere to FIDE's regulations.

Step 3: Achieve the Required Number of Games

To obtain a FIDE rating, you must play a minimum number of rated games. The exact number varies depending on the time control of the games (e.g., standard, rapid, blitz). For standard games, you typically need to play at least nine rated games, while for rapid and blitz, the requirement may be lower.

Step 4: Meet the Rating Performance Threshold

In addition to playing the required number of games, you must achieve a certain performance rating to obtain your FIDE rating. Your performance rating is calculated based on your results in the rated games you've played. The threshold for the performance rating varies depending on the time control and the strength of your opponents.

Step 5: Wait for Rating Calculation

Once you've met the criteria of playing the required number of games and achieving the necessary performance rating, your results will be submitted to FIDE for rating calculation. FIDE updates its ratings monthly, so you may need to wait for the next rating list publication to see your official FIDE rating.

Step 6: Check Your FIDE Rating

Once the new rating list is published, you can check your FIDE rating on the FIDE website or through your FOA account. Your rating will reflect your performance in the rated games you've played on FOA.

Conclusion:

Obtaining a FIDE rating online is a rewarding experience for chess players looking to establish their competitive credentials and track their progress. Additionally, platforms like Chess.com and Lichess also offer their own rating systems, providing opportunities for players to gauge their skills and compete with others worldwide. To obtain a rating on Chess.com or Lichess, simply create an account on the respective platform, participate in rated games, and your rating will be calculated based on your performance. By actively engaging in rated play on these platforms alongside pursuing your FIDE rating on FIDE Online Arena, you can enrich your chess experience and further sharpen your skills.

Where to find all the tournaments where you can improve your rating, the best place is of course, the Outpostchess.com platform.

Cheers, Lena CEO