The Emergence of the Grandmaster Title in Chess: A Journey Through History
The title of Grandmaster (GM) in the world of chess holds a special place as the highest honor bestowed upon players. The origins of this prestigious title trace back to 1950 when the World Chess Federation (FIDE) first awarded the title to recognize outstanding chess players. However, the road to establishing this formal system was far from straightforward.
Origins of the Grandmaster Title
Before 1950, the term 'Grandmaster' was an informal reference to the very best players in the world. In 1950, FIDE assumed control of chess titles and officially introduced the Grandmaster title. Alexander Alekhine, a renowned Soviet player who held the world championship title, was the first to be officially named as a Grandmaster. This decision was made not based on competition against existing Grandmasters but on the players' overall achievements, including their tournament performances and ratings.
Rules and Requirements
The rules for becoming a Grandmaster have evolved significantly since 1950. Initially, it was not just a title but an informal recognition of supreme chess abilities. To formalize the title, FIDE appointed an arbitrary group of top players as the first Grandmasters. Then, they established a rigorous system where players needed to achieve three GM norms to become a Grandmaster. A norm can be acquired by excelling in qualifying tournaments, achieving a high performance rating, or other qualified tournament performances.
The path to becoming a GM is neither easy nor limited to beating existing Grandmasters. A player must achieve 3 GM norms, which essentially means performing at a level of a Grandmaster in three qualifying tournaments. Achieving a norm can be accomplished through drawing matches with five GMs or defeating at least five International Masters (IMs).
The historical context
The FIDE appointed 27 players as Grandmasters in the Golden Book of FIDE in 1950, marking the official introduction of the title. Additionally, 94 players were named International Masters and 17 were named International Woman Masters. Before 1950, the term Grandmaster was used informally and there is a debate about whether the top players from the 1914 St. Petersburg tournament, such as Emanuel Lasker, José Raúl Capablanca, Alexander Alekhine, Siegbert Tarrasch, and Frank Marshall, should have been recognized as Grandmasters.
After 1950, the title became subject to a vote at the FIDE congress for new appointments. In 1957, the first norm-based system was introduced, adding structure and objectivity to the process. The adoption of the Elo rating system in 1970 further solidified the criteria for achieving the title, ensuring that GM status was based on a player's objective performance and consistent achievement over time.
Conclusion
The Grandmaster title's evolution from an informal designation to a formal, objective system reflects the growth and standardization of chess. While the title has its origins in informal recognition, the establishment of clear rules and criteria has reinforced the prestige and significance of the GM title in the world of competitive chess. The journey from an informal title to a rigorous, formal system underscores the ongoing commitment to recognizing and celebrating outstanding achievements in the world of chess.