Titles aren’t just a sequence of letters; they are the badges of honor given to chess players for their effort and dedication.
From starting with a Candidate Master to ending with a Grand Master, the players climb the ladder of success and prestige and share their story – a legacy. So, let us embark on a journey through these titles’ web, understanding each’s significance.
1. What Is Chess?
Chess is a timeless board game filled with skills, strategies, and intellect that has captured minds for centuries. Originating in India, it has evolved into a global phenomenon, captivating players of all ages and backgrounds!
A two-player game played on an 8×8 board, the chessboard. Each player has 16 pieces, including knights, pawns, bishops, rooks, and a king and queen.
To win is simple: defeat the opponent’s king by capturing it and loudly screaming CHECKMATE!
Chess has evolved magnificently. From playing it in person, where two players compete, to presently playing it online on electronic devices, where not only two players compete, but also one can compete with a bot!
If someone puts so much effort and skill into a game, there will be positive reinforcement!
These reinforcements come in prizes, respect, and recognition worldwide.
This is given in the form of titles or badges of honor, one of which is “IM.”
2. World Chess Federation
The World Chess Federation, also known as the FIDE or International Chess Federation, was founded in 1924. It is the governing body for the sport of chess and the body that provides the titles to players.
It looks after the rules and regulations of the game along with the international chess competitions. Awarding titles and ratings to players is one of their duties.
Its mission is to promote and develop chess worldwide, build cooperation among national chess federations, and organize events.
Its headquarters are in Switzerland, and it is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as an International Sports Federation (IF).
Its main function is to manage the Elo rating system, which assesses chess players’ levels. Players’ FIDE-rated tournament wins, losses, or draws are counted, affecting their ranking. These rankings are updated periodically, allowing players to gain chess titles.
3. Chess Titles
Each title represents a level of proficiency and accomplishment. Each also deserves respect and admiration throughout the world. The FIDE awards the titles and the international titles based on certain criteria. Which are:
- Candidate Master (CM) – The first title a player can gain in the ladder of FIDE titles. To achieve this title, the player has to earn around 2200 Elo points in the FIDE-rated tournaments.
- FIDE Master (FM) – The next title on the ladder is FIDE Master. This title can be gained when a player has around 2300 Elo points and demonstrates strong performances in the tournaments.
- International Master (IM) – The international master title is a prestigious title earned when players consistently perform in tournaments, along with the norms that must be met to gain this title. The player should have at least 2400 Elo points to earn this title.
- Grand Master (GM) – The highest title any player can get in chess. These elite players must gain above 2500 points and fulfill stringent performance norms in international tournaments. Furthermore, a consistent showcase of exceptional skills and performance should also be present.
3.1. Candidate Master
CM is the first title that a chess player can attain by the FIDE after reaching a certain level of proficiency. Having around 2200 Elo points can earn one this title.
While it may not be as prestigious as other titles, achieving this title can represent a significant accomplishment and recognition of the player’s dedication and skill in chess.
The norms for gaining this title are not as stringent as those for IM or GM; however, players need to win a certain number of games against players of a certain ranking to earn the title of CM.
3.2. FIDE Master
The FIDE Master title is gained after the player has achieved the CM title. It is also considered a significant milestone in a player’s career, proving them to be a strong and experienced competitor.
Like CM, FM norms are not stringent. However, certain standards must be followed to earn this title.
Firstly, the player should score 2300 Elo points and above. Then, a certain number of wins against players who hold the title of IM or GM must be achieved. Lastly, the players must achieve a performance rating that exceeds a threshold based on the average rating of their opponents.
3.3. International Master
IM is International Master, the third-highest title a chess player can achieve. Awarded by the FIDE, these players reach a high level of skill and proficiency in the game.
They earn the title as a reward for their hard work and receive immense respect and admiration from players worldwide.
IM is recognized internationally and carries prestige within the community. To earn this title, IM norms need to be fulfilled by the player; these are,
- The players need to achieve 2400 Elo points.
- The players should also achieve a certain number of wins against those holding either an IM or GM title.
- Lastly, players must achieve an average threshold rating of their opponents in the series of tournaments.
The IM title represents a significant milestone in a chess player’s career. The above norms must be fulfilled to achieve this, with the player consistently performing well over a series of tournaments. With dedication and effort comes the fruit of recognition and admiration from other players and people worldwide.
The title also opens the door to opportunities such as invitations to prestigious events and continuing their journey to become the Grand Master. The title also holds the power to inspire aspiring chess players by sharing their knowledge and expertise on the game.
3.4. Grand Master
The grandmaster title is the most elite and highest title a chess player can earn. It means that the player has gained the highest level of skill and proficiency in the game.
To attain this title, exceptional talent is required, as is years and years of dedicated practice to win the games. The players now have a deeper understanding of the strategies and tactics and can play the game precisely.
To have this highest title awarded means to have immense respect within the chess community. They are also considered ambassadors and inspirations for upcoming players worldwide.
The GM norms are also said to be more stringent than the norms for other titles. The player must fulfill these three norms to earn this title.
- The players must have at least 2500 Elo points and more in a single FIDE-rated tournament.
- They must score at least one-third of the required points (usually 7 of 9 rounds) in a tournament against their opponents who hold IM or GM titles.
- Finally, achieving an average rating of the points based on the threshold of the opponent is required.
4. Is GM Better Than IM?
Definitely! Holding a GM title is more prestigious and elite than holding the title of IM.
Firstly, the skill level of both players holding those titles varies. A player with a GM title will be more skilled and have more precise chess strategies than with an IM title.
Second, a GM-titled player will have more respect, admiration, and respect in the chess community than an IM-titled player. It is simply because a GM-titled player showcases exceptional talent and achievement.
Third, GM title players will have more opportunities to participate in top-level competitions than IM title players. Holding the GM title opens the door to various professional opportunities in chess.
Finally, the historical significance. The GM title has a rich history dates back to the 19th century. Some legendary players, such as Garry Kasparov and Magnus Carlsen, are also responsible for its historical significance.
5. What Is NM In Chess? And How Is It Different From IM?
NM is a title that stands for National Master. It is not recognized by FIDE but by national federations.
This title is awarded to the players by the chess federations within the nation or country who have achieved a high level of skill and proficiency in the game. It also indicates a strong performance and a high rating of the player.
The specifications for earning the title vary from country to country; however, the player needs to have at least 2200 Elo points to earn the title.
While the NM title is not as prestigious as the IM and GM titles, it is still a significant accomplishment and is recognized within their country’s chess community.
Regarding the scope of recognition, IM is recognized worldwide, whereas NM is only recognized by the country’s chess community.
In the case of advancement, it is easier for an IM-titled player to reach the GM title and have more opportunities worldwide. Conversely, an NM-titled player has more reach toward national events.
6. What Is WGM In Chess?
WGM stands for Woman Grand Master in chess. Although these are separate women-only titles, the World Chess Federation recognizes them widely and equally as the Grandmaster title.
This title is awarded to female players in the world of chess who have achieved the highest level of skills in the game. Just like the GM title, the WGM title also includes similar norms that need to be fulfilled for the female players to achieve the title. However, the ratings here are compared to those of female opponents only.
Woman grandmasters at WGM are known for their strategic insight, tactical prowess, and competitive spirit. Like the GM, they have the opportunity to compete in top-level chess tournaments, contributing to the growth and development of women’s chess worldwide.
In chess, titles, ambition, and strategy intertwine to create a rhythm of intellect and skill. Each title begins with a story from the depths and ends with a story to the loftiest height.
So the next time you see a player’s name emblazoned with those letters, it does not only signify their prestige but also a legacy they carry! It represents the dedication and passion that the player has for the game of chess.
Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Annanya
