Chess Governing Bodies
ECF / FIDE
These are the two main Chess Governing Bodies:
ECF is the main UK Chess Organisation
English Chess Federation (ECF)
FIDE is the main International Chess Organisation
Federation Internationale des Echecs (FIDE)
Embedded Files
Official Rating Databases
The ECF and FIDE maintain all of their member's official chess ratings and you can look-up any registered player's grades here:
Official Chess Rules
The official rules for the game of chess are prescribed by FIDE and can be found here:
FIDE Laws of Chess (01-Jan-2023, On-Line)
("Laws of Chess" are just this Section E of the full document)
FIDE Laws Of Chess (01-Jan-2023, PDF)
(the PDF appears more comprehensive than the on-line version)
The official rules for the running of a chess tournament (in the UK) are given by the ECF and can be found here:
FAQs about ECF / FIDE
Q1. Why do I need ECF membership?
(a) To obtain an ECF grade
(b) To allow your internal club games to count towards the Swindon Club Championship
(c) To play in the Wiltshire League ... your grade will determine which section of the league you play in and which board you play on for the given team
Q2. What are the various categories of ECF membership and which one do I need?
The ECF membership levels are:
Bronze: This is the basic category which enables you to play in Leagues, Club and County for grading purposes
Silver: This is now discontinued
Gold: This allows for also playing in FIDE rated tournaments and congresses, in addition to all that Bronze level gives access to.
Platinum: This covers all of the above and you receive other miscellaneous bonus items as well, e.g. year book, diary etc.
Q3. How do I contact the ECF to become a member?
(a) You can register on-line at English Chess Federation (ECF)
(b) Phone the ECF on 01424 775222
(c) Email the ECF on office@englishchess.org.uk
NB: Membership runs for 1 year from the time of registration or renewal.
Q4. How do I obtain a FIDE grade for international use?
(a) Obtain ECF Gold membership
(b) Enter a FIDE rated tournament
(c) Play at least 5 games against FIDE rated players (which may require entering more than one tournament)
(d) Win at least one game point (from either a win, or two draws)
NB: Retrospectively the event must exceed an average of FIDE 1000.
Q5. Is it possible to have an ECF grade and a FIDE grade at the same time?
Yes ... In 2020 the ECF converted their grades from 3-digit to 4-digit format. The rating values are therefore now comparable between ECF and FIDE (although they will be different).
Q6a. When I enter a Congress as a non-member I am asked to pay an extra fee. Why is this?
You will get those Congress games graded, however it does not give you ECF membership registration. (see also Q6b below)
Q6b. When I enter a Congress as a Bronze member I am sometimes asked to pay an extra fee. Why is this?
Events organised under the FIDE banner require ECF Gold, so this fee allows your ECF membership to be used when you only have ECF Bronze membership.
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