Whether you are an experienced aficionado or an aspiring player, you have probably heard of the FIDE rating. However, what precisely is it, and why is it significant in the chess world? Let’s take a look at the FIDE Rating System and go into it, looking at its importance, operation, and implications for players of all skill levels.
FIDE: What is it?
The worldwide body that oversees the game of chess is called FIDE, or the Fédération Internationale des Échecs. Established in 1924, the FIDE is in charge of Organizing World Championship Cycle, to monitor the Laws of Chess, to calculate and govern the FIDE ELO Rating System, and Mange funds for World Events.
An Overview of the FIDE Rating System (FRS) in brief
FIDE uses the Elo rating system which is a method for calculating the relative skill levels of players in zero-sum games such as chess. It is named after its creator Arpad Elo, a Hungarian-American physics professor. The skill level of a chess player is numerically represented by the FIDE rating system. It is an international standard that enables players to compare their abilities. A player’s rating is determined by how well they perform against other rated players in rated competitions. Once a player meets specific requirements in FIDE-recognized competitions, their initial rating is determined.
FIDE maintains three rating lists each month according to rate of play
- Standard (FIDE)
- Rapid (FIDR)
- Blitz (FIDB)
The Gate Criteria to get FIDE Rating
If you are an unrated player playing your first rating event, you should take a note that a player needs to meet the following Gate Criteria to get Rating.
- A Player must face 5 rated players (All these games shall have at least one move from each side. Walkovers against rated players are not counted for rating.)
- Players must score 0.5 points against any of the rated opponents.
- You shall score a Rating Performance of 1400 or more.
Once you open your account in FRS, you start adding or losing points from that as follows:
Winning Against a Player with a Higher Rating: You will receive more points for a victory over a player with a higher rating than you will from a victory over a player with a rating that is more similar to your own.
Losing to a Player with a Lower Rating: On the other hand, you will forfeit more points if you lose to a player with a lower rating than you.
Draws: Based on the disparity in ratings, points are exchanged; if two players with different ratings draw, the lower-rated player earns some points and the higher-rated player loses some.
Classifications of Ratings
Based on FIDE ratings, players can be broadly classified as follows:
Below 1400: Novice
1401 to 1600: Beginner to intermediate
1601 to 1800: Intermediate
1800 to 2000: Strong intermediate
2000 to 2200: Advanced 2200
>2200: Expert to professional
Why Does the FIDE Rating Matter?
The FIDE rating has multiple important functions in the chess community.
Measurement of Skill:
It offers a precise, measurable indicator of a player’s ability and advancement. Pairing and Seeding: Ratings are used in events to provide equitable pairings and to seed players.
Motivation and Goals:
Getting a higher rating is a major goal that drives a lot of players to keep getting better. Professional Status: In the realm of chess, a high FIDE rating can lead to sponsorships, prestigious competitions, and professional status.
