Various "Master" Titles in the USCF

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Avatar of zezpwn44

Some say that everyone rated 2200 and above is a "Master," and I've even seen one tounrament throw the "NM" letters in front of everyone's name who was rated 2200 or above.

Then, I've heard people say that if you've played x number of rated games with a rating of 2200+, there's a "life master" title and you will get a rating floor of 2200.

Then there's those "norms" USCF hands out for tounrament performances, that you need 5 of to get the "Master" title.

So, at what point are you a National Master? At what point do you get the 2200 rating floor? What are the purposes of those USCF norms?

A bit confused on the matter.

Avatar of JMB2010

Your floor is always 100 points lower than the highest even 100 that you get to. For example, you get a 2200 rating floor when you reach 2300. You are a national master when you reach 2200 USCF, and then the title is yours for life, even if you drop below 2200. The norm system has nothing to do with "master" titles, they are 4th category, 3rd category, 2nd category, 1st category, and candidate master. To get a norm you need to have a tournament of more than 4 rounds in which you score 1 point better than what would be expected of a 1200, 1400, 1600, 1800, or 2000, depending on the title. 5 norms and you have the title. Hope that helps!

Avatar of zezpwn44

Sort of. I don't believe you ever have to reach 2300 to get the 2200 floor. I know it's 200 below for most other ratings but I think it's different for master. 

Avatar of AndyClifton

It didn't work for me.  Not sure what my floor is...but it's not 2200, since I dropped below that (and I got up to 2290 at one point).

Avatar of zezpwn44

Hmm...not sure still

Avatar of AndyClifton

neither am I Frown

Avatar of AndyClifton

Hey hey, I like being a lifetime master!  One of the few USCF decisions I've ever actually enjoyed (or seen the benefit of). Wink

Avatar of zezpwn44

Now I'm even more confused...haha.

Avatar of MrKornKid

Whats wrong with at one point, whether it lasted x or x+ amount of time, having a title that describes your ability in a game for life.  That's like saying Wayne Gretzky was just another dude.  Or that as soon as Kasparov retired he should be stripped of his title.

Once you earn a spot it's nice to see an offical body recognise it.  And recognise it for life.

Avatar of AndyClifton
zezpwn44 wrote:

Now I'm even more confused...haha.

Oh yeah, confused like a fox, I'll bet. Wink

Avatar of Likhit1
AndyClifton wrote:

Hey hey, I like being a lifetime master!  One of the few USCF decisions I've ever actually enjoyed (or seen the benefit of). 

Shouldn't you be taking advantage of the free Premium membership for Titled players?

Avatar of AndyClifton

lol...read my profile page

Avatar of zezpwn44

So if your rating ever touches 2200, you are an NM and can get the free chess.com membership, etc?