WIM - Woman International Master

WIM

Definition

WIM stands for Woman International Master, a lifetime chess title awarded by FIDE (the International Chess Federation). It is the second-highest women-specific title, ranked below Woman Grandmaster (WGM) and above Woman FIDE Master (WFM). The official wording is “Woman International Master” (not “Women’s”).

Usage

In tournament lists, broadcasts, and reports, the title appears as a prefix to a player’s name, e.g., “WIM Maria Lopez.” The title is permanent once awarded, regardless of future rating fluctuations. A player may simultaneously hold an “open” title (such as FM, IM, or GM); in displays, the highest title typically takes precedence, but both can appear in records (e.g., “IM/WIM”).

Pairings example: Board 3 — WIM Chen (2220) vs IM López (2475)
Commentary example: “The WIM found an instructive exchange sacrifice to seize the initiative.”
Federation and event seeding: Titles often influence invitations, norms eligibility, and rating-seeding lists.

Requirements and Pathways to Earn the Title

FIDE regulations are periodically updated, but the typical path to WIM includes:

Rating threshold: achieving a FIDE rating of at least 2200 at some point.
Norms: earning three WIM norms, usually from FIDE-rated norm tournaments that meet strict criteria (sufficient rounds, mix of federations, titled opposition, and a performance rating around 2250).
Direct titles: in certain designated events (e.g., Women’s Continental or Zonal Championships, World/Continental Youth and Junior events), specific results can confer the WIM title directly, even without all standard norms.

After the norms and rating requirements are satisfied, the player’s federation submits a title application to FIDE for approval.

Strategic and Historical Significance

The WIM title recognizes advanced mastery and competitive success among women, marking a strong milestone on the pathway to WGM, IM, and GM. Historically, women-specific titles were created to promote and recognize women’s achievements in a landscape where participation was (and in many places remains) disproportionately low. The WIM title dates back to the early era of FIDE titles (mid-20th century), while the WGM title was introduced later (1976).

Debate exists about women-only titles versus “open” titles. Many players proudly use WIM as a stepping stone; others aim directly at open titles. Notably, some top female players have focused primarily on open events, helping normalize mixed competition at the highest levels.

Examples

Common situations where you’ll see WIM in action:

A national team lineup: “Board 4: WIM Sokolova” in an Olympiad match.
Title progression on a player’s profile: WFM → WIM → WGM (and possibly IM/GM).
Norm-chasing: A player scores 6.5/9 with a 2250+ performance in a 9-round international open, completing her third WIM norm and later crossing 2200 to secure the title.

Illustrative tactical finish (not from a famous game):

White executes a classic “Legal’s Mate”-style idea—an attacking motif any titled player might spot quickly:

This miniature demonstrates typical calculation and pattern knowledge found at WIM level and above.

Interesting Facts

WIM is roughly situated between the open titles of FM and IM in terms of typical playing strength, though many WIMs perform at IM level and beyond.
Some players hold both WIM and an open title (e.g., FM or IM). Event broadcasts usually show the highest distinction.
Because the title is lifelong, you may encounter retired or less-active players still listed as WIM even if their current rating is lower than 2200.
The creation of women-specific titles helped expand access to international events, norms, and professional opportunities, contributing to the growth of women’s chess worldwide.