I've thought for a while now that the best way to award titles is based on percentile. That way it solves any inflationary issues AS WELL AS the reality of there simply being more people so we need to give more titles. I don't know how many players have FIDE ratings but if there's 400,000 for example then there should be 400 GM titles If there's 700,000 then 700. 83,000 then 83, etc. Top 100 in the world when there are 5,000 players isn't as impressive as top 100 in the world when there are 300,000. Percentile, that shows a more accurate picture.
‘A GM is a GM?’
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I forgot to add that master title could be maybe when the 97th (or 98%) percentile is reached. IM when the 99th percentile is reached (or 99.5%). Maybe candidate master at 95th percentile (or 96-97 or whatever). The exact math could be worked out. But the point is those percentiles take into account (& I believe solve) ALL the concerns & issues. Then it doesn't matter IF there's rating inflation or how much or whether theres a zillion, bagillion people or 800.
Reb wrote:
GM Kevin Spraggett was a candidate in the mid 80s and his top rating was only 2580 , he couldnt break 2600 when he was at his peak . Almost 2 decades later , in his 50s , he broke 2600 fide for the first time in his life . He is a friend of mine and we both lived in Portugal and were often together . I asked him was he actually stronger in his 50s than he was when he was a candidate and he said ofcourse not . So , how is it that only after you are 50 you break 2600 fide barrier ? He said due to inflation , ofcourse . He is not the only example out there like this but he is the only one I know personally . There are those who refuse to believe ratings inflation exists . They stick their heads in the sand and ignore any and all evidence to the contrary . There is no help for them . The fact that fide is awarding titles to young kids who are hundreds of points away from what adults have to do for the same title is ridiculous and certainly lessens the value of such titles . FIDE also has affirmative action titles . These are titles like IM that are automatically awarded if you win your country's national championship ...... even if you didnt face a single master in the competition ! There doesnt even have to be any masters playing ! Originally the GM title meant you were world class . Which GMs are really world class today ? Perhaps only those over 2700 ?
Giving kids the FM title for winning an event in which there isnt even anyone over 2100 playing is ridiculous beyond belief . If they don't have the 2300 FIDE rating they don't earn the title .... plain and simple .
I think somebody would have to be a ass to even want a title they didn't deserve.
yes I know I spelled a few words wrong lol