A rating category (in Russian, razryad) is official confirmation of your playing level. In Russia, categories and sports titles are awarded under the Unified All-Russian Sports Classification (EVSK). Its standards for chess are approved by the Ministry of Sport and explained by the Chess Federation of Russia.
The ladder of categories
From the lowest to the highest:
- Third, second and first youth categories.
- Third, second and first sports categories.
- Candidate Master of Sport (CMS).
- Master of Sport of Russia (MS).
- International Master of Sport of Russia (MSMK).
Besides the Russian ones there are the international FIDE titles: Candidate Master, FIDE Master, International Master and Grandmaster (and the same titles for women).
How a category is earned
Categories are not awarded for an exam — they are earned in tournaments. To get a category you have to score a certain number of points in an official competition. The norm depends on:
- the number of games played (usually at least a certain minimum);
- the strength of the opponents — their categories or ratings;
- the points scored.
For the higher categories and titles the player's rating is usually taken into account as well.
The exact requirements change from time to time, so before a tournament check the current norms with your coach or the organisers.
Where to play
Categories are earned in tournaments run by chess federations, clubs and schools. It is important that the tournament is official: with an arbiter of the appropriate grade and proper processing of the results. In Novosibirsk such competitions are run by the regional chess federation.
How to prepare
- Learn the rules — tournaments have strict rules for playing with a clock and recording the game (“The rules of chess”, “Chess notation”).
- Solve puzzles every day — tactics decide most games at the level of the youth and third categories.
- Study the endgame — at least the basic mates and simple pawn endings.
- Play with a clock — time is limited in tournaments, and you need to get used to it.
A category is a good goal, but not the only one. The main thing is that every game makes you stronger.