About the USCF: FAQ

This page has the short answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions we get.

Q: What is USCF?

A: The USCF Mission Statement: The United States Chess Federation (USCF or US Chess) is a not-for-profit membership organization devoted to extending the role of chess in American society. USCF promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, but also as a means for the improvement of society. It informs, educates, and fosters the development of players (professional and amateur) and potential players. It encourages the development of a network of institutions devoted to enhancing the growth of chess, from local clubs to state and regional associations, and it promotes chess in American schools.

To these ends, USCF offers a monthly magazine, as well as targeted publications to its members and others. It supervises the organization of the U.S. chess championship, an open tournament every summer, and other national events. It offers a wide range of books and services to its members and others at prices consistent with the benefit of its members.

USCF serves as the governing body for chess in the United States and as a participant in international chess organizations and projects. It is structured to ensure effective democratic procedures in accord with its bylaws and the laws of the state of Illinois.

Q: What are my benefits for joining?

A: With your membership you will receive Chess Life magazine; discounts on purchases of books and equipment from the USCF catalog. You will be entitled to play in rated chess tournaments to obtain an official USCF chess rating. You have the opportunity to organize chess clubs and run USCF rated events.

Q: How can I get information for a membership, a free copy of Chess Life and a catalog?

A: Call our 1-800-388-KING number or E-mail your request to [email protected] or write to USCF, 3054 NYS Route 9W, New Windsor, NY 12553. You can also call our business office 1-845-562-8350 or FAX your request to: 1-845-561-CHES.

Q: Do you have free information which explains how the pieces move and how to write chess moves?

A: Yes. Request a free copy of the "Let's Play Chess" pamphlet and the "Keeping Score" flier from USCF. Or check the online versions.

Q: Where can I purchase chess books, sets and chess computers and also get advice as to what to purchase?

A: USCF sells a variety of chess related items. You can contact USCF for a free catalog and/or check out our online catalog located on this site or speak directly to one of our customer service representatives by calling: 1-800-388-KING (800-388-5464).

Q: Where can I go in my area to play chess?

A: USCF provides listings of chess clubs for all regions of the United States, free. Please check our club directory located on this site.

Q: After I become a USCF member and play in a USCF rated event, will I get a chess rating?

A: Yes. The organizer of the event will send the results to USCF and a rating will be calculated. You can request a copy of the USCF Rating flier for over-the-board and correspondence chess from USCF. Your chess rating(s) will appear on your mailing label on your magazine after certain rating criteria is met. You can also view your rating and history in our Member Services Area.

Q: How do I start a chess club in my area and also in the local school?

A: Contact USCF for free information about starting a chess club and running chess tournaments. You can also check out the Club Development, Scholastic and Rating areas on this website.

Q: Can my chess club organize a USCF-rated tournament?

A: Yes, it's easy! Simply request a copy of USCF's free pamphlet, "Step-by-step Brochure on Running Your First Tournament." Please be sure to include your mailing address with your request. Or check the online version.

Q: How can my club advertise our USCF rated event?

A: USCF rated events run by affiliates can be advertised in Chess Life. Please contact USCF for prices for placing ads for your event. The ad area of these publications is called, "Tournament Life Announcements" (TLA's). This directory is also available online.

Q: How does my chess club bid on a USCF National Event?

A: All USCF affiliates are encouraged to submit proposals to host USCF National Events. You can contact USCF for more information. Additional information is also available online in the Tournament Directors area.

Q: I'm unable to travel to over-the-board chess tournaments. What does USCF offer for me if I join?

A: USCF has a Correspondence Chess program which offers rated chess events played using the post office or the Internet. Please check out the Correspondence Chess area of this site.

Q: Who is the Women's World Champion?

A: The current FIDE Women's World Champion is GM Zsuzsa Polgar (Hungary). Polgar has held this title since January 1996.

Q: What is FIDE?

A: FIDE stands for "Federation Internationale des Echecs" (also known as the World Chess Federation).

FIDE was formed in 1924. When World Champion Alexander Alekhine died in 1946, FIDE assumed control of the world championship title. In 1948, FIDE organized a world championship tournament to determine Alekhine's successor. GM Mikhail Botvinnik won the tournament, and FIDE has organized world championship matches from that time forward.

FIDE organized the 1996 Karpov-Kamsky match.

Q: How do I join FIDE?

A: You can't - only national federations can join FIDE. USCF represents the United States in FIDE, and also represents individual players for services such as title applications and ratings.

Q: How do I get a FIDE rating?

A: Earning a FIDE rating is much more difficult than obtaining a USCF rating.

FIDE requires new players to achieve at least a 2000 ELO performance against other FIDE-rated players. The performance must be in at least two parts (or norms), each consisting of at least four games. Players must score at least 1/2 point to earn a norm.

Players can be sure than an event is FIDE-rated by checking the Tournament Life Annoucements (TLA) in Chess Life or online.

Only certain types of games can be FIDE-rated. Games played at very fast time controls (such as Game/30) do not count toward earning a FIDE rating. USCF adjusts the rating reports by removing such games before sending them to FIDE.

For example:

Bobby Bishop plays in four tournaments. In the first, he plays five FIDE-rated players and scores 2/3, with a FIDE-performance of around 2100. In the second, he plays two FIDE-rated players and scores 2/2, with a FIDE-performance of 2500. In the third, he plays four FIDE-rated players and scores 0/4, with a FIDE-performance of 2005. In the fourth, he plays six FIDE-rated players and scores 1/6, with a FIDE-performance of around 2150. What's Bobby's FIDE rating?

1st event:

Bobby played five FIDE players, scored at least 1/2 point, and had a performance rating above 2000. NORM ACHIEVED!

2nd event:

Bobby played only two FIDE players, so no norm is possible.

3rd event:

Bobby played four FIDE players, but failed to score any points, so no norm is possible.

4th event:

Bobby played six FIDE players, scored at least 1/2 point, and had a performance rating above 2000. NORM ACHIEVED!

Bobby has at least two norms for a total of 11 games. Bobby's FIDE rating will be approximately 2130, and his name will appear on the next FIDE rating list. Congratulations, Bobby!

Q: How do I earn my FIDE Master title?

A: To earn a FIDE Master title, a player must:

• Earn a FIDE rating
• Play at least 24 games against FIDE-rated opponents
• Hold a FIDE rating of at least 2300 after the 24th game (or anytime thereafter). If a player has a FIDE rating of 2300 prior to the 24th game and then slips under 2300, the player does not qualify until their rating goes over 2300 again.

Players who meet these criteria should send a letter to USCF requesting that an application be made in their behalf. USCF pays the application fee (100 SF or approximately $85).

Q: How do I earn an IM or GM title?

A: The titles of International Master (IM) or Grandmaster (GM) are awarded by FIDE - not USCF.

Players must collect a series of excellent tournament results (also known as norms) against other titled players.

In general, you must achieve the following:

• IM - At least 2 norms over 24 games (30 games if no Round Robin result)
• Plus, FIDE rating of 2400 or higher
• GM - At least 2 norms over 24 games (30 games if no Round Robin result)
• Plus, FIDE rating of 2500 or higher

If you think you may have achieved an IM or GM norm, check with the tournament director. If you do achieve a norm, the tournament director will give you a norm certificate.

Once a player has collected enough norms, he or she should submit copies of all of the materials to USCF. USCF will complete the title application for the player and also pay the fee (100 SF or approximately $85).

Q: How do I make a donation to your organization?

A: It's easy, and it's tax-deductible too! Just make your check payable to the U.S. Chess Trust and put Patron Program on the memo line in the left-hand corner of the check. You can mail your check to USCF, 3054 US Route 9W, New Windsor, NY 12553. Your donation will support chess and chess programs all across the U.S. A list of current patrons is available on this site.