Norm (chess)

A norm in chess is a high level of performance in a chess tournament. Several norms are one of the requirements to receive a title such as Grandmaster from FIDE.

Grandmaster norm

To qualify for the title of Grandmaster of chess, a title awarded by FIDE, the World Chess Federation, a player must achieve two or more grandmaster norms in events covering a minimum of 27 games. Norms can only be gained in tournaments that fulfill FIDE's strict criteria; for instance, an International Arbiter must be officiating and the entry must include at least three GM titled players from different countries playing over a minimum of nine rounds, with no less than 120 minutes thinking time per round. There are a number of other more minor stipulations.

The 'norm' seeker must achieve a tournament performance rating (TPR) of at least 2600 to qualify.

The exact current rules are posted on the FIDE website at .

Other FIDE norms

There are also norm requirements for the titles of International Master, Woman Grandmaster and Woman International Master.

In national organizations

In March 2009, the United States Chess Federation introduced its own title system. This system requires five norms in order to achieve titles at seven different levels, ranking from "Life Senior Master" down to "4th category". However, the requirements for these norms are not as strict as those for FIDE norms.

References