About FIDE Rating
FIDE (Federation Internationale des Echecs) is the international organization that governs the game of chess. It was founded in 1924 and currently has over 190 member countries. One of the main functions of FIDE is to establish and maintain an official rating system for chess players all over the world. This rating system is recognized and accepted by all national chess federations and is used to determine a player´s strength and eligibility for various tournaments and competitions.
The FIDE rating system is based on a player´s performance and as they participate in more games and tournaments, their rating can increase or decrease. A higher rating indicates a stronger player while a lower rating indicates a weaker player. FIDE also conducts regular rating reviews and updates to ensure the accuracy of a player´s rating.
Online FIDE Rating
In recent years, the popularity of online chess has grown significantly, especially with the advancement of technology and the ease of access to online platforms. FIDE has recognized this trend and has now implemented a system for obtaining and updating FIDE ratings through online chess games. This system is known as the Online FIDE Rating or OFR for short.
The OFR is calculated the same way as the traditional FIDE rating, but it only takes into account games played online. This has made it possible for players to obtain a FIDE rating without having to participate in over-the-board (OTB) tournaments, which may not always be accessible for everyone. It has also opened up opportunities for players to compete in international competitions online and have their results and ratings reflected in the FIDE system.
Requirements for Obtaining OFR
In order to obtain a FIDE rating through online chess, there are certain requirements that must be met. These include:
- Having a FIDE online ID: This is a unique identification number that is assigned to players who have an official FIDE profile and have played at least one rated online game.
- Playing rated online games: The minimum number of rated online games required to obtain a FIDE rating is 9. These games must be played against players with a FIDE online ID and have a time control of at least 30 minutes.
- Registering for a FIDE title: If a player wants to obtain a FIDE title (such as Grandmaster, International Master, etc.), they must register for it before their games are rated. This registration can be done through the player´s national chess federation.
Once these requirements are met, the player´s rating will be calculated and reflected in the FIDE rating list. This process usually takes a few days, but depending on the number of online games being rated, it can take up to a month.
Benefits of OFR
The implementation of the OFR system has provided numerous benefits for the chess community. Some of these include:
- Accessibility: The OFR system has made it possible for players who do not have access to OTB tournaments to obtain a FIDE rating. This has opened up opportunities for players in remote areas or with physical disabilities to participate in international chess competitions.
- Ease of participation: With the increasing popularity of online chess, more and more players are able to easily participate in online tournaments and have their results reflected in the FIDE rating system.
- Cost-effective: Obtaining a FIDE rating online is more cost-effective for players as they do not have to travel to different cities or countries to participate in OTB tournaments. This also reduces the financial burden for younger players and those from lower-income backgrounds.
- Accuracy and consistency: The OFR system has ensured that online games are rated and recorded accurately and consistently, just like traditional OTB tournaments. This has increased the credibility and reliability of online chess games.
In conclusion, the OFR system has revolutionized the process of obtaining a FIDE rating, making it more accessible and convenient for players all over the world. With the continuous growth of online chess, it is expected that the OFR system will become a vital part of the FIDE rating system, providing more opportunities for players to showcase their skills and compete internationally.
