What is FIDE ID? Why Do You Need It?

For people who want to take part in Chess tournaments or build a career in this field, having a FIDE ID is the very first step .

If you’re an aspiring chess player, you probably have heard the term FIDE ID. For every Chess player it’s crucial to know what FIDE ID actually is and how it’s created in order to become a part of the World Chess Community.

This blog will cover everything related to FIDE ID (A Digital Passport) to become a part of the Global Chess Community from any part of the World.

What is FIDE ID ?

Just like your CNIC number, FIDE ID is the unique number assigned to Chess players by the International Chess Federation ( FIDE ). Once you have it, your performance in FIDE Rated tournaments can be seen and tracked globally from any part of the world.

It’s an Official ID of any Chess player. Just like in any organization, students have their unique registration numbers, Athletes have their own IDs that identifies that they’re athletes similarly Chess players have FIDE IDs to allow their tournaments results and ratings to be recorded and tracked internationally. It stays with the players throughout their life recording their game history, global rankings,  tournament ratings, titles (Grandmaster, International Master etc).

Why Is It Necessary ?

You do not need an Official FIDE ID to play at any local club or online on any platform but if you want to participate in any official tournament or you  want to be a part of a proper Chess ecosystem it’s very essential.

Having it means:

1. You can participate in FIDE rated tournaments.

2. Your tournament rankings will be recorded .

3. You are eligible for International Chess titles and title norms.

4. You can appear in International Chess rankings.

5. You can obtain an official FIDE Rank.

6. Your tournament history can be tracked easily.

How is FIDE ID Created ?

A common piece of misinformation most people have is that players create their own IDs which is not true. IDs are usually issued by the player's National Chess Federation.

1. Most players get their IDs while registering for their first tournaments as tournament organizers will ask for your ID, if you want to participate in any tournament.

2. In Case players do not have it, tournament organizers collect few basic details about contender like:

* Full name

* Date of birth

* Gender

* Nationality

* Federation affiliation

3. The National Chess Federation then verifies the details and submits it to FIDE. 

4. Once details are  approved, a unique FIDE ID is created and added to FIDE's official data records

This process may differ a bit from country to country, but the overall procedure is the same universally.

What Information is linked to the FIDE Profile  ?

FIDE Profile usually includes the following information:

1. Full Name of a Person

2. FIDE ID.

3. National Federation

4. Standard Rating

5. Rapid Rating

6. Blitz Rating

7. Titles ( If Any )

8. Tournament History

9. Rating Progress

Here's the sample profile of World's #01 Chess player Magnus Carlsen

What Every Chess Aspirant Should Know About FIDE ID

1. Once an ID is assigned, it’s for lifetime and never expires.

2. Local Federation policies may be different. While there’s a fee for getting the FIDE ID, some people might get it for free while registering for their first ever tournament.

3. ID will remain the same but ratings might go up and down and doesn’t affect the ID.

4. Any chess enthusiast, who is serious in this particular field should obtain it as early as possible.

5. For young players, parents should keep a record of ID for future tournament registration and ratings check.

Common Myths Related to FIDE IDs.

1. An ID Automatically Gives you Rating

Reality: FIDE ID is necessary for every chess aspirant but it doesn’t give you a rating. To obtain a rating you need to participate in tournaments and rating might go up and down with wins and losses in the tournaments.

2. Only Strong Players Can Obtain A FIDE ID

Reality: Anyone can apply to get it, even kids and beginners, you do not need to reach a certain level to get it.

3. A FIDE ID Expires

Reality: Once you have it, it will never expire and is for lifetime.

4. Requirement Of High rating

Reality: No minimum rating is required to get FIDE ID.

FIDE ID serves as a foundation of every chess player’s journey. One should double check all the information before submitting it for verification as records are public and for lifetime. It is the chess players' official identity in the international chess world, allowing your games, ratings, achievements, and titles to be recorded accurately. Whether you are a beginner taking your first steps or an ambitious player dreaming of international titles, obtaining a FIDE ID is one of the most important milestones in your chess journey.

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