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Rating System and the FIDE ID

​FIDE is the international chess body that regulates chess worldwide. FIDE also manages a rating system where players get a rating which denotes their playing strength. The bigger the rating, the stronger the level. Different rating applies to Standard play (min 60 mins per player), Rapid (around 10-15 mins per player), and Blitz (3-5 mins per player).

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See section below on how to interpret a rating.

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To play a FIDE rated events you must get a FIDE ID. The following section is about the steps to get such an ID. 

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How to get a FIDE ID

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Do you have a FIDE ID?

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  • If in doubt, you can check if you have an idea by going to https://ratings.fide.com/ and search your name in the search bar of the players database. If you find your profile just give the FIDE id to the tournament organiser.

  • If you already have a FIDE id, and already fulfil your federation's requirements, you can ignore this email.
    Example if you are listed under flag MLT and you are already a paid member of the Malta Chess Federation then you are fine.
    You can become a member by filling the form at https://chessmalta.com/membership/ and pay the membership fee. Under 16s are offered free membership at the moment. 

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Apply for a FIDE ID?

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  • If you don't have a FIDE id, and you are a Maltese citizen, please make sure you are a member of the Malta Chess Federation by filling the form at https://chessmalta.com/membership/ and then ask the Malta Chess Federation to get you a FIDE id.
     

  • If you don't have a FIDE id, and you reside in Malta, you have a choice to register under the MLT flag or under your country's flag. To register under your country's flag you need to contact your federation and ask to get a FIDE id. If you opt for registering under MLT, you need to provide proof of residence in Malta, and become a member of the Malta Chess Federation by filling the form at https://chessmalta.com/membership/ and then ask the Malta Chess Federation to get you a FIDE id.
     

  • Lastly, if you don't have a FIDE id, are not a Maltese citizen and do not live in Malta, but still want to play a FIDE event in Malta, the best way forward is to contact your federation via email. You should be able to find contact details online.

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Interpreting a Rating to Playing Strength

The below table show the typical rating ranges according to level. This is just an indication for people to understand the meaning of a rating.
P.S. FIDE only rates players from 1400 upwards. Assessment of lower rating can only be achieved via an experienced trainer or indicatively via an online chess platform (e.g. chess.com or lichess.org)

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  • Rating 0-800 - Starting out at chess and playing your first games. Still doing basic mistakes like dropping pieces regularly. 

  • Rating 800-1000 - Have regular experience in tournaments, minimise basic mistakes, and starting to score game wins consistently. Can win kids events. (Level 1 in Chess Academy terms) 

  • Rating 1000-1500 - Starting to better understand the game, almost no basic mistakes, and getting sharper in technique. Challenge regularly to win kids events, or mid-level club players. (Level 2 in Chess Academy terms)

  • Rating 1500-1700 - Close to become a strong club level player. (Level 3 in Chess Academy terms)

  • Rating 1700-1800 - Strong player at a club level, and can win events open to all club players. (Club Level in Chess Academy terms)

  • Rating 1800-1950 - A good player at national level. (National Level in Chess Academy terms)

  • Rating 1950-2050 - Reaching national master level. (National Master Level in Chess Academy terms)

  • Rating 2050-2200 - Can complete confidently at international level. (International Level in Chess Academy terms)

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