U.S. Chess Federation

The U.S. Chess Federation regulates and governs the game in the United States. It sanctions

tournaments and officials as well as oversees the ratings system that measures players' skills.

Chess is recognized as an essential tool that promotes inclusiveness and benefits education,

rehabilitation, recreation, and friendly competition.

Players must join the Federation to obtain a membership number which is required when

registering for rated tournaments and other events. Tournament directors submit results to

the Federation which updates a player's rating. The rating is an indicator of a player's skill level. Most tournaments are divided into competitive section ranges based on the rating system. 

The general ratings include:

• Novice (<800)
• Beginner (800-1099)
• Intermediate (1100-1399)
• Intermediate2 (1400-1699)
• Advanced (1700-1999)
• Expert (2000-2299)  
• 2200-2399 = 'Master' - strongest amateur rank

International professional players have two ranks:

• 2400-2499 = 'International Master' - weakest professional rank; strong, experienced international player;
• 2500+ = 'Grandmaster' - Top of the line

The US Chess Rating Classifications include:

• Senior Master (above 2399)
• Master (2200-2399)
• Expert (2000-2199)
• Class A (1800-1999)
• Class B (1600-1799)
• Class C (1400-1599)  
• Class D (1200-1399)
• Class E (1000-1199)
• Class F (800-999)
• Class G (600-799)
• Class H (400-599)
• Class I (200-399)
• Class J  (Under 200)

US Chess - 2022 Goals 

         * Expand the educational, social, recreational and rehabilitative applications of chess.

          * Increase the visibility of chess on mainstream communications channels.

          * Develop the depth and breadth of our partnerships.

          * Use chess to increase opportunities for under-represented segments of society.

           * Continuously improve internal operations and member services.

US Chess - Core Values 

         * Education. We promote the transformative power of chess for lifelong personal growth.

         * Customer Service. We endeavor to be responsive, adaptive and proactive in providing 

           services to our customers.

         * Excellence. We strive to be the best we can be as an organization and in service to the 

            game.

         * Integrity. We honor, preserve and promote fair play.

         * Inclusion. We believe everyone has a seat at the chess table.

         * Love of the Game. We embrace chess as a historic and iconic game, and we celebrate its 

            history, growth and evolution in our activities and services.