A norm is a title-level performance in a single international tournament that meets FIDE’s conditions. Norms are required for the Grandmaster, International Master, WGM and WIM titles.
The main conditions for one norm:
- At least 9 games in the event.
- A performance rating of at least 2600 for a GM norm (2450 for IM, 2400 for WGM, 2250 for WIM).
- Opponents from at least two federations other than the player’s own.
- At least half of the opponents titled, and at least a third (minimum 3) holding the title being chased.
The norms for a title must cover at least 27 games, so most players need three norms. The player must also reach the title’s minimum rating (for example 2500 for GM).
Related terms: Grandmaster · Elo rating · Chess titles (article)
