How to Become a Grandmaster, and What It Takes

October 20, 2025

Most people who play the board game of chess worldwide dream of becoming a grandmaster; it is one of the most sought-after titles in the world. But the path to the GM title is not simply a matter of talent. It’s a brutal slog that requires years of training, mental discipline, strategy, and almost unwavering top-level performance.

This course provides all the answers about how to become a GM, including official FIDE requirements and everything you need to achieve your goal – from mindset, training routines, and practical tips that will make your GM title a reality.

What is a Grandmaster in Chess?

Grandmaster (GM) is the highest title a chess player can attain from FIDE, the international chess federation. It’s a lifetime title that represents the pinnacle of chess mastery. You will encounter GMs who play top-level tournaments, coach other players, and contribute in meaningful ways to the world of chess.

FIDE Grandmaster Requirements

In order to attain the title of grandmaster, FIDE has its own criteria that must be satisfied by a player:

  • Earn three GM norms: these are established performances at international-rated tournaments.
  • Obtain a 2500 FIDE Rating: the rating must be achieved at least once during their playing career.

Let’s break this down further.

Understanding GM Norms

An over-the-board GM norm is a performance target on which FIDE may bestow the title Grandmaster. Note that a tournament must meet the following to qualify as an event where a GM norm is possible:

  • It should be no smaller than nine rounds.
  • It must include at least three GMs from different nations.
  • You will play a combination of titled and international players.
  • Your performance in that tournament must be 2600 or higher.

You must have three such norms in various tournaments to qualify.

What Does the FIDE Rating System Represent?

The FIDE Elo rating system measures a player’s skill based on their results versus other rated players. Top GMs typically hit 2700+. Beginners usually start from about 1000–1200.

To become a GM, your Elo rating needs to pass 2500 once — even though you may fall below after that.

Steps to Become a Grandmaster

Below is a plan to organize all that into steps toward the GM title:

Early (But Not Too Early)

The modern grandmaster starts playing chess at under 10 years of age. But you still can become elite in your 20s, 30s, or even later with concentrated effort.

Hire a Coach or Mentor

A coach can scrutinize your games, patch your leaks, and speed up the learning process. Most GMs attribute their success to steady coaching.

Master Opening Repertoires

You won’t survive against strong players without a strong and deep opening repertoire. This includes:

  • White: 1.e4 or 1.d4 systems.
  • Black: sound defenses, such as the Sicilian, Caro-Kann, or Slav.

Employ databases, such as ChessBase, Lichess, or Chess.com Explorer for studying.
A lot of players focus too much on memorizing openings instead of understanding main ideas. You can find a detailed explanation of this concept on https://chess-grandmaster.com/

Analyze Your Own Games

Post-game analysis is crucial. The key is to fail fast and find a better way. Employ Stockfish and similar engines, but focus on understanding, not memory.

Solve Tactics Daily

Tactical ability is essential. Challenge your brain to solve puzzles on platforms such as:

  • ChessTempo
  • Lichess Puzzles
  • Chess.com Puzzle Rush

Study Endgames

Even some strong players are indifferent to endgames. Study fundamental positions such as:

  • King and pawn vs. king
  • Rook endgames
  • Lucena and Philidor positions

(Books like Silman’s Complete Endgame Course are useful.)

Play Regular Tournaments

In order to raise your rating and receive norms, you need to keep playing at a steadily high level in FIDE-rated tournaments! Try to go for tough international opens with titled players.

Time Management in Training

You will need to spend 3–6 hours every day reading and playing chess. An ideal study plan may include:

  • 30% Openings
  • 30% Tactics
  • 20% Game analysis
  • 20% Endgames

Remember to analyze the good old games: masterpieces by legends such as Kasparov, Karpov, Fischer, and Carlsen.

Books and Other Resources for GM Preparation

Here are some essential chess books and resources to read:

  • My System by Aron Nimzowitsch
  • How to Reassess Your Chess by Jeremy Silman
  • Think Like a Grandmaster by Alexander Kotov
  • Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual — for the more advanced player

Online courses such as those available on Chessable or video lessons from YouTube GMs such as Daniel Naroditsky, Ben Finegold, and GothamChess can come in handy too.

Technology and Tools You’ll Need

Elevate your game with high-tech equipment:

  • ChessBase: for saving and analyzing your games
  • Stockfish or Leela Chess Zero: for engine analysis
  • Online platforms: Lichess, Chess.com, Chess24

Many GMs play bullet/blitz online to keep their instincts sharp.

Costs of Becoming a Grandmaster

This journey can be expensive:

  • Coaching: $30–$100/hour
  • Tournament travel and fees
  • Books, software, subscriptions

Though scholarships, sponsorships, or national federations might provide backing to talented players.

Barriers on the Way to GM

Becoming a grandmaster isn’t exactly smooth sailing. Expect:

  • Plateaus in rating progress
  • Frustration from losses
  • Impostor syndrome after big wins

Success is more about resilience and attitude than brute ability.

The Psychology of Grandmasters

The top levels of chess are as much a matter of mental warfare as moves. GMs tend to create surprises, traps, and mental pressure. It is much more important to learn how to be cool under time trouble and psychological machinations.

Examples of Young Grandmasters

Some inspirational prodigies include:

  • Abhimanyu Mishra (USA) – youngest GM at 12 years old
  • Magnus Carlsen (Norway) – reached GM at 13 and became World Champion later
  • Hou Yifan (China) – GM and former Women’s World Champion at the age of 14

These are extreme cases, to be sure, but they illustrate what can be done by people with purpose.

After Becoming a GM?

When you are a grandmaster, a lot of things become open:

  • Invitations to elite tournaments
  • Chances to coach or write books
  • Increased earnings from sponsorships and prize money

But GMs are getting better — and the ride doesn’t end once you win it all.

How to Stay Motivated in the Long Term

Burnout is common. To stay motivated:

  • Establish short-term objectives (play for rewards from the next tournament)
  • Join chess groups both online and in person
  • Remind yourself why you started

How to Become a Grandmaster

To summarize:

  • Master the rules and concepts
  • Develop strong tactics and calculation
  • Master openings, middlegames, and endgames
  • Play in FIDE-rated events and attain 3 GM norms
  • Reach a 2500+ FIDE rating
  • Develop inner GI: mental toughness, discipline, and concentration

A combination of hard work and the correct guidance will put you in the league of grandmasters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do you have to be to become a grandmaster?
Most players reach GM in their teens or early 20s, but some do so later.

Can you be a grandmaster without a coach?
It’s possible but much harder. A coach will increase the rate of your learning by isolating deficiencies.

What does it cost to become a GM?
It varies. Many spend tens of thousands on tuition and tournaments. Scholarships and federations can also help with costs.

Can you have your grandmaster title taken away?
No. A GM title is awarded for life, regardless of subsequent performance.

Is being a grandmaster worth it?
For many, yes. It opens career possibilities in coaching, streaming, writing, and playing for money.

How many grandmasters are there?
Over 1900 grandmasters are registered with FIDE as of 2025.

Conclusion

Becoming a grandmaster of chess is no cakewalk; it requires skill, dedication, and an uncomfortably large amount of angst. But with a good dose of strategy, consistency, and support, it’s a doable fantasy. Whether you are planning to become the new world champion or just want to test your limits, GM aspirations will make you a sharper thinker – and a finer human.


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