Chessy
What Is FIDE in Chess?
FIDE is the International Chess Federation, the governing body of world chess — it organizes world championships, awards titles such as Grandmaster and International Master, and maintains the official global rating list.
What FIDE actually does
FIDE sets the official rules of chess, sanctions major events including the World Chess Championship and the Chess Olympiad, and oversees national federations around the world. Its motto, 'Gens una sumus' ('We are one family'), reflects its role as the umbrella organization connecting chess federations across nearly every country.
FIDE titles
Titles like Grandmaster (GM), International Master (IM), and FIDE Master (FM) are awarded by FIDE based on rating thresholds and performance in qualifying tournaments called norms. These titles are permanent once earned and recognized internationally, regardless of a player's current rating.
The FIDE rating list
FIDE calculates and publishes ratings for players competing in FIDE-rated events, using the Elo system as its foundation. This official FIDE rating is distinct from the ratings you see on online platforms like Lichess or Chess.com, which run their own separate rating pools.
Frequently asked questions
What does FIDE stand for?
FIDE stands for the Fédération Internationale des Échecs, French for the International Chess Federation.
Does FIDE run online chess ratings too?
FIDE's official ratings come from FIDE-rated over-the-board events. Online platforms maintain their own separate rating systems that aren't part of the FIDE list.
How do you earn a FIDE title like Grandmaster?
Titles require meeting a minimum rating threshold and earning a set number of 'norms' — strong tournament performances against titled opposition, verified according to FIDE's regulations.
Is FIDE the only chess governing body?
FIDE is the primary international governing body recognized by the IOC and most national federations, though some countries also have their own separate national federations affiliated with FIDE.