Introduction to FIDE Rating Online
FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Ãchecs) is the organization responsible for managing international chess competitions and rankings. In recent years, FIDE has introduced an online rating system that allows players to compete and earn ratings points in online chess tournaments. This has become increasingly popular, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it provides easy access to competitive chess from the comfort of one´s own home. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about FIDE Rating Online.
How FIDE Rating Online Works
FIDE Rating Online is based on the same principles as traditional over-the-board (OTB) ratings. Players earn or lose rating points based on their performance in tournaments, with higher-rated players earning fewer points for wins against lower-rated opponents and vice versa. The main difference is that FIDE Rating Online is limited to online chess tournaments recognized by FIDE, whereas OTB ratings take into account all types of tournaments, including local club events.
What Games are Eligible for FIDE Rating Online?
FIDE Rating Online is currently limited to rapid and blitz chess games. Rapid games have a time control of at least 10 minutes per player per game, while blitz games have a time control of less than 10 minutes per player per game. Both classical (longer time controls) and bullet (very short time controls) games are not yet included in FIDE Rating Online. Additionally, players must use a FIDE-approved online chess platform, such as Chess.com or Chess24, for their games to count towards FIDE rating.
Advantages and Challenges of FIDE Rating Online
FIDE Rating Online has several advantages, including increased accessibility to competitive chess for players of all levels, the ability to establish a global ranking and compete against players from all over the world, and the potential to earn official FIDE titles and norms.
Another challenge is the lack of recognition and acceptance of online ratings compared to OTB ratings. Some players and organizations may not consider online ratings to be as valid as OTB ratings and may not accept them for certain tournaments or events. This can be a disadvantage for players who primarily play online and may not have access to OTB tournaments.
The Future of FIDE Rating Online
Despite its challenges, FIDE Rating Online has become an integral part of the chess world and is likely to continue growing in popularity. FIDE is continuously working to improve the system and address any concerns, such as implementing stricter measures against cheating and potentially including other time controls in the future. With the rise of online chess and the increasing importance of technology in all aspects of life, it is safe to say that FIDE Rating Online is here to stay and will play a significant role in the future of competitive chess.