How can you make sense of it all? It's not nearly as complicated as it may look from the outside. This page can serve as a guide to the major organizations in the world of chess.
Chess Federations
FIDE, or the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (World Chess Federation), is the governing body for international chess competition. FIDE awards titles such as Grandmaster, establishes international rules, and organizes events such as the Chess Olympiad.
Most countries also have their own national federations. These organizations may also award titles, organize national championships, and keep ratings lists for their players. Some major national federations include:
Chess Clubs
Chess clubs are the backbone of organized chess. From major clubs that compete in championships, to small town clubs which energize the local chess scene, chess clubs are where most players get their introduction to organized chess.
Some large clubs (and club competitions) are world famous, but most clubs are small organizations which are virtually unknown outside of their local area. Here are some useful links for learning more about club chess:
- European Club Cup -- A championship event for top European clubs.
- USCF Chess Clubs by State
- Marshall Chess Club -- One of the oldest and most famous clubs in the United States.
Chess Ratings
Ratings are an important facet of organized chess. They allow players to gain information on where they stand compared to their peers. While imperfect, ratings give a rough idea of the strength of players compared to others in the same organization. FIDE publishes a ratings list, as do most national federations, many online chess servers, and some other groups.
