How to get FIDE Rating?

If you're a chess enthusiast, you've likely heard of FIDE (the International Chess Federation) ratings. These ratings are a benchmark for measuring the skill of players across the world. While achieving a FIDE rating can be a long-term goal for many, the good news is that Chess.com provides a convenient platform for players to get started on their journey to obtaining a FIDE rating. In this blog post, I will walk you through how to get a FIDE rating via Chess.com, and the steps you need to take to get there. I myself have a fide rating on 1150!

What Is a FIDE Rating?

Before we dive into the process, let's clarify what a FIDE rating is. The FIDE rating system is used by the International Chess Federation to evaluate the skill level of chess players. This rating is internationally recognized and is used in official tournaments, with ratings typically ranging from 1000 (beginner level) to over 2800 (elite level).

A FIDE rating is based on your performance in officially rated tournaments. Chess.com provides players the opportunity to play in FIDE-rated tournaments and earn a rating by participating in these competitions.

Steps to Get a FIDE Rating on Chess.com

1. Create a Chess.com Account

The first step to getting a FIDE rating is creating an account on Chess.com, if you haven't done so already. Signing up is easy and free, and you'll get access to a variety of tools and features to help improve your chess skills.

2. Play Regularly and Improve Your Skills

While it’s not mandatory to be a Grandmaster (GM) to earn a FIDE rating, you do need to build up your chess skills through regular practice. Chess.com offers numerous ways to practice and improve your gameplay:

• Play Games: Play casual games against other players of different skill levels. The more games you play, the more experience you'll gain.
• Solve Puzzles: Chess.com offers a large puzzle database that helps sharpen tactical awareness.
• Study Lessons and Videos: The platform also offers educational resources, lessons, and videos by top players to help you learn strategies, openings, and endgames.

3. Play in FIDE-Approved Online Tournaments

The main requirement for earning a FIDE rating is to participate in FIDE-rated tournaments. Fortunately, Chess.com hosts various FIDE-rated tournaments that you can enter, as long as they meet FIDE’s standards for rating calculation. Look for online tournaments that are officially rated by FIDE. These events can be found in the “Tournaments” section of the website or app.

When you sign up for one of these tournaments, your performance will be measured according to FIDE’s rating calculation system. Your results will contribute toward earning your FIDE rating.

4. Meet the Minimum Number of Games

To earn an official FIDE rating, you will typically need to play a minimum of 5 FIDE-rated games in a legitimate FIDE-sanctioned event. This requirement ensures that the rating system is an accurate reflection of your playing strength, based on multiple results. While five games might not seem like a lot, each one is crucial in determining your official rating.

5. Achieve the Rating Threshold

Your FIDE rating will be calculated based on your results in the tournament. If you perform well, you'll see your rating start to climb. To officially receive your FIDE rating, your performance must meet the following criteria:

• Earn at least 1000 points: In most cases, players need to have a FIDE rating of 1000 or higher in order to officially register their rating.
• Consistent Performance: Your rating will adjust based on your wins, losses, and draws. A series of good performances can boost your rating, while frequent losses can lower it.

6. Verification and Official Rating

Once you’ve played enough FIDE-rated games and meet the necessary conditions, Chess.com will submit your results to FIDE for official rating. Typically, this can take some time, but once it's processed, your FIDE rating will officially be listed.

7. Continue Competing to Improve Your Rating

After getting your FIDE rating, the next step is to keep improving. With regular tournament participation, your FIDE rating can change over time based on your performance. The more tournaments you play and the better you perform, the higher your rating will climb.

What to Expect After Getting Your FIDE Rating?

Once you’ve earned your FIDE rating, it becomes an important part of your chess profile. You’ll be able to track your progress and compare your rating with other players on the global chess scene. Many players aim to increase their rating and climb the ranks of the chess world, setting new goals with each tournament.

Moreover, getting a FIDE rating opens the door to a variety of competitive opportunities:

• Official FIDE tournaments: With your official rating, you can participate in FIDE-recognized events worldwide.
• Chess titles: As you continue to play and improve, you may eventually qualify for prestigious titles such as Candidate Master (CM), FIDE Master (FM), International Master (IM), and Grandmaster (GM).

Tips for Improving Your FIDE Rating

1. Study Openings and Endgames: Understanding the opening principles and how to close out a game with an effective endgame strategy can have a major impact on your results.
2. Analyze Your Games: Take time to go over your games and learn from your mistakes. Chess.com provides game analysis tools that break down your moves and offer insights into better alternatives.
3. Play Against Stronger Opponents: Challenging stronger players will force you to improve and test your abilities. Learn from your losses and try to implement new strategies.
4. Stay Consistent: The more you play and compete, the more you’ll improve. Stay consistent with your practice and tournament participation to see continuous growth.

Conclusion

Getting a FIDE rating through Chess.com is a straightforward process, but it requires dedication and effort. By regularly playing in FIDE-rated tournaments, studying your games, and improving your chess skills, you can earn a FIDE rating and build your reputation in the chess world. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, Chess.com offers the tools and opportunities you need to get started on your FIDE rating journey. Best of luck, and may your rating continue to grow!