GRANDMASTER

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Picture Courtesy: Indian Express 

Context: Vaishali Rameshbabu and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, the sister-brother duo, both achieved the prestigious title of Grandmaster in chess, the highest honour awarded by FIDE, the International Chess Federation.

About Grandmaster

• A Grandmaster is the most prestigious title awarded by FIDE, recognizing exceptional proficiency in chess. It's a testament to a player's strategic understanding, tactical ability, and consistent performance against elite competition.

Evolution of Grandmaster Titles

• Initially, the term "grandmaster" was informally used to denote players’ superior to mere masters.
• The International Chess Federation, FIDE (acronym for its French name Fédération Internationale des Échecs) officially began awarding Grandmaster titles.
• Over time, the criteria for achieving Grandmaster status evolved, with adjustments in 1957, 1965, and 1970.

International Chess Federation (FIDE) ●The International Chess Federation (FIDE), or Fédération Internationale des Échecs in French, is the governing body for the sport of chess. ●It was founded in Paris on July 20, 1924, and its motto is "Gens una sumus," which means "We are one family" in Latin. ●FIDE has its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, and it has 199 member federations. ●FIDE is responsible for a number of things, including: ○Organizing the World Chess Championship and other international chess tournaments. ○Setting the rules of chess. ○Awarding chess titles, such as Grandmaster, International Master, and FIDE Master. ○Maintaining a rating system for chess players. ○Promoting chess around the world. ●FIDE is a non-governmental organization, but it is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the governing body for chess.

Qualifications for Grandmaster

• The current criteria for achieving the Grandmaster title revolve around two main components:
  • FIDE Rating: Attaining a FIDE Classical or Standard rating of 2,500.
  • Grandmaster Norms: Earning three Grandmaster norms, which entail: Achieving a performance rating of 2,600 or higher in specific FIDE tournaments.
• Tournament Structure: Participating in tournaments with certain characteristics:
  • Nine rounds or more.
  • Playing against opponents from different federations/countries.
  • Opponents must hold specific titles themselves.
• Once awarded, the Grandmaster title is held for life, unless a player engages in unethical behaviour or cheating, leading to potential revocation by FIDE.

Conclusion

• Achieving an elite standard in chess, showcasing not just skill but also strategic depth, creativity, and adaptability.

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FIDE WORLD CUP: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/fide-world-cup

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. In which sport is the title "Grandmaster" associated with top-tier practitioners? A) Golf B) Tennis C) Chess D) Swimming Answer: C Explanation: In the realm of chess, "Grandmaster" is the highest title awarded to professional players, signifying their exceptional skill and expertise in the game.