WFM: Woman FIDE Master
WFM
Definition
WFM stands for Woman FIDE Master, a lifelong international chess title awarded by FIDE (the International Chess Federation). It is part of the women’s title ladder and ranks above Woman Candidate Master (WCM) and below Woman International Master (WIM) and Woman Grandmaster (WGM). While women may hold any “open” title (FM, IM, GM), the “W” titles form a parallel track intended to recognize and encourage achievement in women’s chess.
How the title is earned
- Rating route (most common): Achieve a published FIDE classical rating of 2100 or higher at any point. Once earned, the title is permanent even if the rating later drops.
- Direct title route: FIDE may award WFM based on results in designated events (e.g., World/Continental Youth Girls championships, Zonal events, Women’s Continental championships, Olympiad board prizes), typically tied to performance criteria such as a performance rating around 2100 or specified score/placement in events with sufficient rounds and titled opposition. The exact list and thresholds are defined in FIDE’s Title Regulations and can be updated periodically.
- Norms: Unlike higher titles (WIM/WGM/IM/GM), WFM generally does not require accumulating norms; it is normally achieved by rating or specific direct-title results.
Players can hold both “open” and “women’s” titles simultaneously. For example, a player may be both WFM and FM; in practice, people usually display their highest title.
Usage in chess
- Identification: The title is prefixed to the player’s name in pairings, results, databases, and broadcasts—e.g., “WFM Maria Silva (BRA) 2135.”
- Tournament context: Titles can influence invitations, seeding, and norms opportunities; some events have title-based conditions or prizes.
- Online platforms: Many servers display the WFM badge next to the username, making titled players easier to recognize in arenas and broadcasts. Example: wfm_jane_doe.
Strategic and competitive significance
WFM is a significant developmental milestone, generally corresponding to consistent strength in the ~2000–2200 FIDE range. Players at this level typically demonstrate solid opening preparation, reliable tactical vision, and improving endgame technique. Achieving WFM often serves as a springboard toward WIM (2200) and WGM (2300), with many ambitious players using it as a checkpoint in a broader training plan that includes stronger opposition, longer norm events, and more rigorous opening repertoires.
Historical notes
FIDE first introduced women’s international titles in the mid-20th century: WIM in 1950, WGM in 1976. The “Master” tier (FM and WFM) was added in 1978, while the Candidate Master tier (CM and WCM) followed later (2002). Over time, direct-title pathways expanded through youth and continental events to recognize achievement and encourage participation in women’s chess worldwide.
Examples
- Rating threshold example: A player peaks at 2104 on a published FIDE list after a strong open tournament. She applies through her federation and receives the WFM title.
- Direct title example: A junior scores a medal at the Continental Girls U16 with a 9-round performance above 2100 against a sufficiently rated field. Under the current Title Regulations for that event, she is awarded WFM as a direct title.
- Title progression snapshot: Many players pass through a sequence like WCM → WFM → WIM → WGM as their rating, results, and experience grow.
Interesting facts and common misconceptions
- Not an “opponent restriction”: WFM is a recognition title, not a limitation. Holders compete freely in open events against any opponents.
- Women can hold open titles: Many women pursue IM/GM; some skip women’s titles altogether. For instance, Judit Polgár chose to compete only for open titles and became a GM, while numerous top players (e.g., Hou Yifan) progressed through women’s titles on their way to GM.
- Title permanence: Like other FIDE titles, WFM is for life; future rating fluctuations do not remove it.
- Display conventions: Players usually list a single, highest title (e.g., IM rather than WGM) even if they’ve earned multiple; federations and databases may still record all titles the player holds.