CM (Candidate Master) – chess title
CM
Definition
CM stands for Candidate Master, a lifetime over-the-board title awarded by FIDE (the International Chess Federation). It recognizes strong, consistently master-level play just below the threshold of FM (FIDE Master). The commonly cited benchmark for CM is achieving a published FIDE rating of 2200 at least once. The women’s counterpart is WCM (Woman Candidate Master), typically benchmarked at 2000.
- Authority: FIDE (global governing body for chess)
- Relative rank: Below FM, above untitled players
- Typical benchmark: 2200 FIDE rating (WCM: 2000)
- Duration: Lifetime once awarded
How it is used in chess
The CM title is attached to a player’s name in pairings, crosstables, and media. You’ll often see it as a prefix, e.g., “CM John Smith,” especially in tournament bulletins and online platforms.
- Pairings and seeding: Organizers list “CM” to indicate the player is titled, which can affect invitations and media attention, though pairings themselves are based on rating.
- Online play: Many platforms display “CM” next to a user’s handle and may grant access to titled-only features or events (platform policies vary).
- Event eligibility: It counts as an official FIDE title in regulations where “titled player” status is relevant (e.g., special conditions, press lists).
- Notation: In articles and databases, the title often appears before the surname (CM Doe) to acknowledge status at the time of the event.
How to earn the CM title
There are two primary pathways.
- Rating route: Achieve a published FIDE rating of 2200 or higher at least once. No title norms are required.
- Direct-title route: Earn a “direct” CM title by meeting specified results or performance criteria in designated FIDE events (e.g., certain standings or performance ratings in Continental/World youth or regional championships). Exact criteria are detailed in FIDE’s Title Regulations and can change over time.
After qualifying, the player’s national federation typically submits a title application to FIDE. A fee is usually required, and once approved, the title is permanent—even if the player’s rating later falls below 2200.
Strategic and historical significance
CM formalizes the achievement of solid master strength at the international level and often represents a milestone between strong club/expert play and the higher master titles (FM/IM/GM). It can be an important motivator in youth development pathways and helps federations and organizers identify experienced competitors.
Historically, FIDE introduced CM (and WCM) in the early 2000s to broaden recognition beneath FM. Since then, the title has been widely adopted and is commonly seen in national and international tournaments worldwide.
Examples
- In a tournament bulletin: “Board 14: CM Alice Smith (2212) vs. IM Bob Jones (2448).” The “CM” identifies Alice as a titled player even though her rating is lower than Bob’s.
- Milestone scenario: A player peaks at 2203 on the July rating list. Their federation submits a title application, and the player is subsequently listed as “CM” on future rating lists and pairings.
- Practical play: CMs frequently demonstrate strong opening preparation and tactical awareness. For instance, recognizing classic mating patterns like Legal’s Mate can decide a game quickly:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bc4 Bg4 4. Nc3 g6? 5. Nxe5! Bxd1 6. Bxf7+ Ke7 7. Nd5#
While this exact blunder is rare at higher levels, the pattern awareness typifies the sharp tactical sense commonly seen at CM strength.
Interesting facts and notes
- Title permanence: Like other FIDE titles, CM is lifelong; rating can go up or down without affecting the title.
- National vs. FIDE titles: Some federations use National Master (NM) rather than CM domestically. NM is not a FIDE title; CM is.
- Direct titles: Exceptional performances in certain youth and continental events can yield a direct CM (or WCM) without hitting the rating benchmark, per FIDE regulations.
- Content creators: Several popular chess streamers and coaches are CMs—an indication that the title bridges competitive strength and pedagogy.
- Notational etiquette: Most outlets use the title as a prefix (CM Jane Doe), though databases may also annotate it in player profiles rather than in game headers.
Related terms
- FM (FIDE Master) – next title up, typically at 2300
- IM (International Master) – requires norms and a higher rating threshold
- GM (Grandmaster) – the highest over-the-board title
- WCM (Woman Candidate Master) – women’s counterpart to CM
- FIDE rating – international Elo rating used to qualify for titles
- Title norm – performance-based requirement used for IM/GM (not needed for CM)