To become a chess grandmaster, one must follow these key steps:
- Start young and build a strong foundation in chess from an early age, typically between 5 to 8 years old, to absorb complex strategies and tactics more easily.
- Work very hard with a consistent study routine covering all phases of the game—opening, middle-game, and endgame—and ideally get mentoring from a good coach.
- Play regularly in competitive tournaments to gain experience, learn from losses, and improve under pressure.
- Score three grandmaster norms by performing at a 2600 Elo level or above in norm-eligible tournaments that meet strict FIDE criteria, such as having a mix of titled players from different countries and sufficient rounds.
- Achieve a FIDE rating of at least 2500 at some point in your career, which reflects consistent high-level play against strong opponents.
These conditions are officially regulated by FIDE, the World Chess Federation. Becoming a grandmaster is highly competitive and requires years of dedication, talent, and competitive success. Starting early and ongoing professional training are critical factors for success.
