How do I become a national master?

I have been unable to find the links to national master requirements, etc, so I am asking it in a new forum: How do I qualify to become a national master?

I know there are norms or something - what exactly are these? Or do I just need to get a 2000 uscf rating? what is considered a major tournament (norms?)? Are there applications that I need to fill out (where do I get these?)?

Thanks!

shuttlechess92

I refer you to go to FIDE website about this one. www.fide.com or is it .org?

I think you have to win a few tournaments including a win against GM's in the tournaments. Then you submit an application to FIDE when it all happened.

I did go to fide.com, but I couldn't find the page with the requirements for masters. I have to win against GM!? Are you positive?

Someone correct me if Im wrong, but Im very positive.

shuttlecock, 'national master' is not a recognised fide title. For example, a USA-NM would not be officially considered a titled player in my country (UK). And no, to become a master ie FM (fide master) you *do not* have to defeat GMs. Link to short summary of what you have to do:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess_titles

Note that the 'lowest' title is 'candidate master'.

thanks, but it does not answer my question about national masters specifically. and my name is not shuttlecock!

=)

sorry, was playing badminton yesterday so I misread :)

Okay, you are from the US - so see USCF pages. NOT fide pages.

I hope this helps.

you play badminton? sweet my name shuttlechess is combo of shuttlecock and chess =).

where exactly is the page?  I can not even find it in uscf.

I don't know - never set foot in the USA. USCF= united states chess federation - not *really* my concern :/

Not to worry, some compatriot of yours should post soon..

shuttlechess92> Or do I just need to get a 2000 uscf rating?

Every country has their own requirements. In the US of A, you become a National Master if you achieve a 2200 rating, a Life Master if you hold that rating for 300 games, and a Senior Master if you achieve a 2400 rating. Some countries have NMs rated only 1900s. ;)

Addendum: I rarely see players refer to themselves as senior masters. My guess is in most cases they would also be an IM and prefer that title.

so I just need to reach 2200? would I automatically become a nm or would I need to fill out an application?

I think it's automatic. I guess if you ever rate 2200 you can tell us. ;)

lol, I will =)

When you reach 2200, it's automatic.  The USCF will send you your certificate.  In fact, you could lose your 2200 rating shortly after achieving it and still get the certificate.  *IF* I ever get there, I plan to quit and have the title and the rating from then on. 

You have to compete in USCF rated tournaments or events to attain the title of master when you reach the rating of 2200. To get the national master title, you need to have the 2200 rating and successfully place first in the National USCF events. I am a member of the USCF.

 Unless the USCF has changed its requirements since I made NM (1984) you only need the 2200 (minimum) rating to get the NM title. You do not have to win first in anything.  However, on your way to 2200 you are certain to win first in some events I would imagine.

In Canada you need to hold a (national) rating of 2200 or better for 25 consecutive games.  Once you've won the title you cannot lose it. 

... In my case, it is becoming apparent that I also cannot attain it :P.

*studies more*

thanks! I will try to get 2200 uscf rating, and it will be a fun trip!

Yes indeed that is All you have to do to become an NM in USCF, make a 2200 rating there. (surpressing a snicker upon recalling all the great 2100 players I've known that never made it; and a tear recalling I fell a few points short of 2100! ) Well good luck to you anyway. Just so you don't miss by a few points, it should be pointed out that unless things have changed in the last decade since I directed; the Elo system (in USCF use)rating "k" changes when you hit 2100 and you only gain half as many points for winning as you did before reaching that mid-Expert mark. A great suggestion would be purchasing the latest USCF rulebook that has all this in it, or you will surely lose points at the boards by persons pulling tournament rules on you that you are unaware of. Good Luck and Skill

Can anyone verify if they still use the k reduction at 2100? Or any reinstallation of "Bonus Points"?