How to Become a Chess Grandmaster
The definitive guide to achieving chess’s most prestigious title
Get StartedThe Grandmaster Journey
Next to becoming the world champion, Grandmaster (GM) is the ultimate achievement for competitive chess players. Out of the millions of chess players worldwide, only about 1,700 people have achieved this prestigious title.
The World Chess Federation, known as FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs), awards titles based on specific achievements. The GM title is the highest of these honors, recognized globally as the mark of chess excellence.
This comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need to know about becoming a chess Grandmaster—from official requirements to training strategies, psychological preparation, and realistic expectations.
“To become a Grandmaster requires not just talent, but a lifetime of dedication to the game. Yet the journey itself transforms you as both a player and a person.”
Official FIDE Requirements
To become a chess Grandmaster, you must fulfill two main requirements established by FIDE:
Rating Requirement
Achieve a FIDE rating of 2500 or higher at any point in your chess career. This rating reflects your performance against other rated players in official tournaments.
GM Norms
Earn three GM norms in tournaments covering at least 27 games total. A norm is a high-level performance in a qualifying tournament that meets specific criteria.
Understanding GM Norms
To earn a Grandmaster norm in a tournament, you must meet all these requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Performance Rating | Achieve a performance rating of at least 2600 |
| Opponent Ratings | Your opponents must have an average rating of at least 2380 |
| Titled Opponents | At least 50% of your opponents must hold FIDE titles (excluding CM and WCM) |
| Grandmaster Opponents | At least 33% of your opponents must be Grandmasters |
| Federation Diversity | Your opponents must come from at least 3 different chess federations |
| Format Requirements | Play at least 9 rounds in the tournament |
These strict requirements ensure that the GM title represents consistent high-level performance against strong opposition.
Automatic Title Awards
In some cases, the Grandmaster title can be awarded automatically without fulfilling the norm requirements above:
- Reaching the final 16 in the Chess World Cup
- Winning the Women’s World Cup
- Winning the World Junior Championship
- Winning the World Senior Championship
- Winning a Continental Championship
For these automatic qualifications, your peak FIDE rating must still be at least 2300.
The Path to Grandmaster: A Realistic Timeline
The Chess Title Ladder
Before reaching the Grandmaster level, most players progress through other FIDE titles:
Candidate Master (CM)
FIDE rating of 2200 or higher
FIDE Master (FM)
FIDE rating of 2300 or higher
International Master (IM)
FIDE rating of 2400 or higher + three IM norms
Grandmaster (GM)
FIDE rating of 2500 or higher + three GM norms
Time Commitment & Age Factors
The journey to becoming a GM typically takes:
- Starting age 5-8: 10-15 years of dedicated training
- Starting age 9-12: 8-12 years of intensive work
- Starting age 13-18: Very challenging but possible with exceptional talent
- Starting as an adult: Extremely rare but not impossible
Did you know?
The youngest ever chess grandmaster is Abhimanyu Mishra from the United States, who earned the title at the age of 12 years, 4 months, and 25 days in 2021.
Most GMs started playing chess at a young age, but there are exceptions. Mikhail Chigorin, a top player from the late 19th century, only began taking chess seriously at age 24.
The Global GM Landscape
As of 2024, there are approximately 2,000 chess grandmasters in the world out of millions of chess players.
Active Grandmasters Worldwide
Female Grandmasters (not WGM)
Russian Grandmasters (Most by Country)
Training Like a Grandmaster
Becoming a GM requires a comprehensive approach to chess training. Here’s how to structure your development:
Master Opening Theory
Grandmasters don’t just memorize openings—they understand them deeply. Focus on:
- Building a balanced opening repertoire with both aggressive and solid options
- Understanding key strategic ideas rather than memorizing variations
- Knowing typical middlegame plans that arise from your openings
- Keeping up with theoretical developments in your chosen openings
“Having preferences means having weaknesses.” — Magnus Carlsen
Develop Tactical Mastery
Tactical vision is crucial for spotting opportunities and avoiding traps:
- Daily tactical puzzles (at least 30 minutes of focused practice)
- Calculation exercises progressing in difficulty
- Pattern recognition training
- Vision training (visualizing multiple moves ahead)
Systematic tactical training creates the neural pathways that help you spot opportunities instantly in games.
Positional Understanding
Strategic depth separates masters from amateurs:
- Study pawn structures and their implications
- Master piece coordination and placement
- Understand strategic concepts like space, time, and material
- Learn to evaluate positions accurately
- Study model games by positional masters
Endgame Expertise
Endgame knowledge is non-negotiable for GM aspirants:
- Master theoretical endgames (e.g., K+P vs K)
- Study rook endgames thoroughly (most common)
- Understand key principles for each piece combination
- Practice endgame studies to sharpen calculating ability
- Learn practical conversion techniques
Study Chess History
Learning from great players of the past:
- Study classic games from different eras
- Understand how chess understanding evolved
- Learn from strategic shifts and discoveries
- Build a memory bank of exemplary games
- Appreciate different styles and approaches
Finding the Right Coach
A qualified chess coach can accelerate your progress dramatically by:
- Creating a personalized training plan based on your strengths and weaknesses
- Providing expert feedback on your games
- Helping you build a suitable opening repertoire
- Teaching advanced concepts at the right pace
- Providing psychological support and motivation
Recommended Training Schedule
Top grandmaster candidates typically dedicate 3-6 hours daily to chess, broken down as:
Daily Practice:
- 1 hour analyzing your own games
- 1 hour tactical puzzles
- 1 hour opening preparation
- 1 hour endgame study
- 2 hours playing practice games
Weekly Activities:
- At least one tournament game
- Session with coach/mentor
- Study of master games
- Physical exercise (important for stamina)
- Review of training progress
The Grandmaster Mindset
Chess at the highest level is as much a psychological battle as it is an intellectual one. Developing the proper mindset is crucial:
Thinking Patterns of GMs
- Objective evaluation: GMs assess positions based on concrete factors, not wishful thinking
- Consistent process: They follow a methodical approach to each position
- Candidate moves: They systematically consider multiple options before deciding
- Pattern recognition: They instantly recognize thousands of position types
- Prophylactic thinking: They constantly consider the opponent’s plans
- Resource awareness: They are aware of all tactical and strategic resources
Building Psychological Resilience
- Handling pressure: Learn to perform under tournament stress
- Bouncing back: Recover quickly from losses and disappointments
- Focus management: Maintain concentration for long periods
- Emotional control: Keep emotions in check during critical moments
- Confidence: Believe in your abilities without overconfidence
- Adaptability: Adjust your approach based on the situation
Key Psychological Lessons
Don’t Play for Draws Against Stronger Opponents
Many players make the mistake of playing too cautiously against higher-rated opponents. This passive approach often makes their task easier. Instead, seek complications and active play—it’s your best chance to win.
Your Opponent Has Equal Say in the Game
Always consider your opponent’s plans and threats. Many losses come from focusing solely on your own ideas while ignoring what your opponent might do. After each of their moves, ask: “What is their threat or plan?”
“Chess is a war over the board. The object is to crush the opponent’s mind.” — Bobby Fischer
Learning from Losses
Every grandmaster has lost thousands of games on their journey. The difference is in how they respond:
Analyze Thoroughly
Don’t just use engines—understand the human thought process that led to mistakes.
Find Patterns in Mistakes
Look for recurring weaknesses in your play to target in training.
Implement Changes
Make concrete adjustments to your preparation and approach based on lessons learned.
Real Advice from Grandmasters
Focus on Activity
GM Igor Smirnov
“Strive for the activity of your pieces—that’s the Golden Rule of chess. Essentially, chess is about providing the largest area of effect for your pieces. Activity is the quantity of squares under their control.”
Start Young
GothamChess (IM Levy Rozman)
“Learning chess at an early age has many advantages. Children who are exposed to chess between the ages of five to eight have a head start. At this age, the child’s brain is ready to absorb lessons, tactics, and ideas fundamental to becoming a strong player.”
Learn How to Learn
Vladimir Kramnik, Former World Champion
“I think the definition of talent, and of talent in chess, is the ability to learn.”
Hard Work Is Talent
Garry Kasparov, Former World Champion
“Hard work is a talent. The ability to keep trying when others quit is a talent.”
Analyze Your Own Games
Garry Kasparov, Former World Champion
“With the years I have come to realize that thorough analysis of one’s games provides the foundation for the continuous development of chess mastery.”
Understand Openings, Don’t Memorize Them
GM Igor Smirnov
“Playing moves that you’ve memorized without understanding can lead to disaster. If you understand the principles and ideas behind the openings, you’ll make better decisions when your opponent deviates.”
Practical Steps: Your GM Roadmap
Beginner to Intermediate
(Under 1500 Rating)
- Learn the fundamentals (rules, basic tactics, checkmate patterns)
- Develop a simple opening repertoire (1-2 openings per side)
- Study elementary endgames (king and pawn)
- Complete 10-20 tactical puzzles daily
- Play regularly and analyze your games
- Read beginner chess books on strategy
- Join a chess club for regular practice
- Consider basic instruction from a coach
Focus Areas:
Tactics, avoiding blunders, basic checkmate patterns
Intermediate to Advanced
(1500-2000 Rating)
- Develop a comprehensive opening repertoire
- Study middlegame plans specific to your openings
- Master rook and minor piece endgames
- Analyze master games in your opening systems
- Train calculation with more complex puzzles
- Begin targeted work with a coach
- Compete in norm-qualifying tournaments
- Study positional concepts (pawn structures, piece coordination)
Focus Areas:
Calculation, positional understanding, theory knowledge
Advanced to Master Level
(2000+ Rating)
- Refine and update your opening preparation continuously
- Conduct deep analysis of your games with coaches/engines
- Study complex endgames and theoretical positions
- Develop tournament strategies and psychological resilience
- Work with a grandmaster coach if possible
- Create a schedule for norm tournaments
- Build physical stamina for long tournaments
- Study contemporary grandmaster games regularly
Focus Areas:
Deep preparation, psychological strength, tournament strategy
Practical Tournament Advice
For Norm Tournaments
- Research tournaments carefully for norm opportunities
- Understand the specific requirements before registering
- Budget for travel, accommodation, and entry fees
- Prepare specifically for likely opponents
- Arrive early to adjust to the venue and time zone
- Maintain physical health during the tournament
Types of Tournaments
- Open tournaments: Larger events where pairings depend on your score
- Closed tournaments: Round-robin events with pre-selected participants
- Norm-specific tournaments: Events organized specifically to create norm opportunities
- National championships: High-level competitions in your country
- International invitational events: Based on rating or invitation
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a chess Grandmaster?
It can take anywhere from 8 to 20+ years of dedicated study and practice. The youngest GM achieved the title at 12 years and 4 months, while others have earned it much later in life. For most people who start young and train seriously, it takes about 10-15 years of dedicated work.
Can anyone become a chess Grandmaster with enough work?
Realistically, no. Becoming a GM requires a combination of natural talent, early start, dedicated training, psychological resilience, and opportunity. While hard work is essential, the extremely competitive nature of chess at the highest levels means that only a tiny percentage of players reach GM level. That said, significant improvement is possible for anyone willing to study and practice systematically.
What IQ is required to become a chess Grandmaster?
There’s no specific IQ requirement to become a GM. While many grandmasters have above-average intelligence, chess success correlates more strongly with pattern recognition, memory, calculation skills, and dedicated practice than with general IQ. Garry Kasparov, one of the greatest players of all time, reportedly has an IQ of around 135—high but not extraordinary. Chess skill is specialized and developed through focused training.
How much does it cost to pursue the GM title?
Pursuing a GM title is expensive. Costs include:
- Coaching ($50-200 per hour, potentially thousands per year)
- Tournament expenses (entry fees, travel, accommodation)
- Training materials (books, courses, software)
- FIDE fees and membership costs
A serious pursuit of the GM title can easily cost $10,000-30,000 per year over multiple years. Some players receive sponsorship or federation support to offset these costs.
Is it too late for an adult to become a Grandmaster?
It’s extremely rare for someone who starts chess as an adult to achieve the GM title. While there are exceptional cases like Mikhail Chigorin who began serious play in his 20s, those examples are from an earlier era when chess was less developed. In the modern era with professionalized training from childhood, it’s virtually unheard of for someone to start as an adult and reach GM level.
That said, adults can still achieve significant improvement and potentially reach master level with dedicated study. The journey itself can be rewarding regardless of the ultimate title achieved.
How many female chess Grandmasters are there?
As of 2024, there are 42 women who have earned the open GM title (not the separate WGM title). The first woman to earn the GM title was Nona Gaprindashvili in 1978. Judit Polgar, widely considered the strongest female player in history, reached a peak rating of 2735, making her the 8th highest-rated player in the world at one point.
Can a Grandmaster lose their title?
The GM title is generally awarded for life. However, in exceptional circumstances, FIDE can revoke the title, particularly in cases of proven cheating or if the title was obtained fraudulently. This is extremely rare. A GM’s rating may decline with age or inactivity, but the title itself remains.
How much do chess Grandmasters earn?
Grandmaster earnings vary enormously:
- Top 10 players: Can earn millions annually through tournaments, endorsements, and appearance fees
- Top 100 players: Can potentially make a comfortable living through competition, coaching, and content creation
- Average GMs: Often combine tournament play with teaching, writing, and other chess-related activities
Many GMs earn modest incomes and need supplementary careers. The growth of online chess platforms has created new income opportunities through streaming, content creation, and online teaching.
Is Becoming a Grandmaster Worth It?
The Challenges
- Extremely challenging journey requiring years or decades
- Significant financial investment
- Intense competition with limited opportunities
- Need to start very young in most cases
- Required natural talent alongside hard work
- Uncertain financial prospects even if successful
- Sacrifices in other areas of life
The Rewards
- Lifetime achievement of rare prestige
- Deep mastery of a complex intellectual domain
- Joining an elite community of chess minds
- Opportunities to travel internationally
- Potential teaching and content creation opportunities
- Transferable skills: focus, analytical thinking, resilience
- Personal satisfaction and growth
“The beauty of chess is it can be whatever you want it to be. It transcends language, age, race, religion, politics, gender, and socioeconomic background… Chess is a universal language, and we are here to speak it.” — Maurice Ashley, first African-American Grandmaster
Final Thoughts
Whether you ultimately achieve the Grandmaster title or not, the pursuit of chess excellence is a rewarding journey. The skills, discipline, and thinking patterns you develop will serve you well in many areas of life.
Even if the GM title remains elusive, the joy of continuous improvement, the thrill of competition, and the satisfaction of solving chess puzzles are available to players of all levels.
Set ambitious yet realistic goals based on your starting point, available time, and resources. Whether your aim is to become a club champion, national master, or international grandmaster, the principles in this guide will help you improve your chess and enjoy the journey.
