Grandmaster, Candidate Master, National Master, etc. These are denotions of high skill awarded by a player's federation. The titles are commutative meaning they carry weight around the world.
Batgirl might have something more specific, but here is a brief inaccurate history of titles: In the 1800s in Russia, the czars bestowed upon one Alexander Petrov the first "Grandmaster" title. The idea caught on and eventually when the Fide was established it became an "official title". I believe when the federations were established titles became nominal, but before then they weren't. Hope this helps!
Hi! This is my first time getting on this forum, read a few post, and I think I will enjoy most of the people I will meet here :D
I Just have a question though. What do the |GM, CM, NM, etc| mean?
If there is a thread that someone could direct me to, or just tell me would be helpful, Thanks!