Normally three favorable results (norms) in international
tournaments involving other IMs and Grandmasters are required
before FIDE will confer the title on a player. IMs usually have
a rating between 2400 and 2500. Sometimes though, there may be a
very strong IM who has not yet become a Grandmaster, over the
rating of 2500.
 |
Norms & Attaining the Title of Master | |
| Title | Awarding Body | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Master | US Chess Federation | Players who achieve a rating of 2200 are awarded the title of National Master (NM). |
| Life Master | US Chess Federation | Players who maintain the Master rating of 2200 for 300 tournament games are awarded the title of Life Master (LM). |
| Senior Master | US Chess Federation | A player who reaches a rating of 2400 are awarded the title of Senior Master (SM). |
| FIDE Master | FIDE (World Chess Federation) | The FIDE Master title (FM) is awarded to players reaching a rating of 2300 in FIDE. |
| International Master | FIDE (World Chess Federation) |
|
| Grandmaster | FIDE (World Chess Federation) | The requirements for becoming a Grandmaster (GM) are somewhat complex. A player must have a rating of at least 2500 at one time (although they need not maintain this level to keep the title). In addition, three favorable results (called norms) in tournaments involving other Grandmasters, including some from countries other than the applicant's, are usually required before FIDE will confer the title on a player. |