Masters

What do you have to do to become a NM, IM, GM, FM, stuff like that. Anyone know?

NM - Depends on the nation.  In US you get a rating 2200 or higher and you're a NM

FM - You didn't ask, but this is FIDE's master title.  You get it with a rating of 2300 or more.

IM and GM - FIDE titles again.  IIRC you have to earn 3 norms.  FIDE handbook has the details, but basically you have to preform at IM or GM level against other IMs and GMs.  Other requirements are the opponents have to be from so many different countries and stuff like that.

You can also be given an IM or GM title by winning certain tournaments.  For example a few years ago Larry Kaufman won the World Senior Championship and in doing so got the GM title right then.  Usually the winners of these events already have the titles... which is why they give them to you if you don't already have them heh.  They're not easy to win, most IMs and GMs go through the norm system.

Although rating isn't a requirement, IMs start around 2400 FIDE and GMs start around 2500 FIDE.

FM > NM actually.

Except maybe Russia... their NM title is > FIDE's IM title lol.

Thanks! That makes alot more sense :)

and mhchess, what type of master is a CM?

CM is Candidate master.  FIDE gives it out after 2200.

But recently the USCF also has what they call candidate master, rating 2000-2199, also known as expert.

Candidate Master is a Fide title. Rating greater than 2200 and you become a CM right?