To join a FIDE-rated event, you first need to be part of a chess club that is connected with FIDE. Many national and local clubs are already registered. You can ask your local club if they report results to the national federation. This is important because only rated games count toward your FIDE profile.
If you don’t have a club yet, find one that is official and accepts new members. When you join, make sure to give your full name and date of birth correctly. These details help link your games to the right profile.
Some clubs offer help with tournament registration. Ask if they support FIDE submissions. This can save you time later. Joining a FIDE-connected club is usually the first and easiest way to enter rated events.
Without club support, entering some FIDE tournaments may be harder, so it’s best to start here.
Get Your FIDE ID from Your National Federation
Before playing a rated game, you need a FIDE ID. This is your official chess number used for rating and ranking. You can get it through your country’s chess federation. Usually, your chess club will help with this step, but you can also request it directly.
Each country has different rules. Some ask for a copy of your ID, a photo, and a small fee. Others give it for free when you play your first rated game.
Make sure your name, birthday, and country are correct in your ID. If there’s a mistake, contact the federation as soon as possible to fix it. A wrong ID can cause problems when calculating your rating.
Your FIDE ID stays with you forever. You can use it in any FIDE event, anywhere in the world. Having a valid ID is required before your first rated game, so don’t skip this step.
Choose the Right Tournament Level
FIDE-rated tournaments come in different levels. Some are small and local. Others are international and include top players. It’s important to choose a tournament that matches your playing level. If you are just starting, a local open tournament is a good place to begin.
Tournaments are often divided by rating groups. For example, “Under 1600” means you play only against people with ratings below 1600. This makes the games fair and balanced. You will learn faster and get a better chance to score points.
If you choose a high-level tournament too early, it might be difficult to win any games. That’s why it’s better to start small. Look for beginner-friendly tournaments with good organisation and clear rules.
You can always move to stronger events later. Pick a tournament where you feel comfortable, and make sure the organiser sends results to FIDE.
Check If the Tournament Is Officially FIDE-Rated
Not all chess events are FIDE-rated. Some are just for fun or practice. To get your games counted for rating, you must play in a tournament that is officially registered with FIDE. You can ask the organiser before joining.
A real FIDE-rated tournament will have a tournament code or listing on the FIDE website. You can check this before paying any fees. Most organisers also mention this in their event poster or registration form.
Playing in an unrated event won’t help you build your FIDE record. So double-check the event status. Also, make sure the games follow FIDE rules, like correct time controls and fair play policies.
If something feels unclear, don’t be afraid to ask the organiser. They should confirm that results will be sent to FIDE after the event. This is how you grow your official rating.
Understand Time Controls and Game Format
FIDE only accepts games with certain time controls. You can’t play a 1-minute game and get a rating. The minimum time per player is usually 60 minutes, plus a few extra seconds per move. This gives enough time for real thinking and strategy.
Before you sign up, read the tournament rules. See if the time control meets FIDE standards. A common format is “90 minutes + 30 seconds increment.” That means you get 90 minutes for the game and 30 seconds added after each move.
Also, make sure the format is clear: is it round-robin, Swiss, or knockout? Swiss is the most common, where everyone plays the same number of rounds and scores points.
If the time control is too short or if the rules are missing, your game might not be rated. That’s why checking the game format is important before you join.
Register on Time and Follow the Rules
When you find a FIDE-rated event, don’t wait until the last minute to register. Spots are often limited. Most tournaments allow online or in-person registration. Fill in your name, FIDE ID, and sometimes your club or federation.
Some tournaments charge a fee to join. You need to pay this before the deadline. Organisers will often cancel unpaid entries. Make sure your payment goes through and keep the receipt.
Read the tournament rules carefully. These cover when games start, how points are given, and what to do if you’re late. Following the rules will help you avoid mistakes and penalties.
During the event, be polite, follow the dress code if there is one, and don’t forget to shake hands. Playing fair is as important as winning.
Good behaviour and punctuality leave a good impression and may help if you return to play future events.
Prepare Logically and Practise Before the Event
Joining a FIDE tournament is a big step, so it’s smart to practise before the real games begin. Focus on learning common openings, simple tactics like forks and pins, and how to checkmate with a queen. These basics will help you win more games.
Use online platforms to play longer time controls, such as 15+10 or 30-minute games. This helps you build patience and plan better. Try to play without distractions, just like in a real tournament.
You can also review your past games and note your mistakes. Then work on fixing them. Many players also find it helpful to play training games with people from their local club.
Physical preparation is important too. Sleep well, eat before the game, and don’t rush. Chess takes energy and focus.
By being ready both mentally and physically, you give yourself the best chance to do well.