FIDE: a practical example
Its rating database distinguishes standard, rapid, and blitz ratings. A player may appear in more than one list with different numbers. A federation code identifies the player's listed sporting federation, which should not automatically be treated as citizenship or residence.
How to use the idea in your games
Use official records for rating dates, titles, and regulations. Independent ranking websites should disclose their sources and avoid implying that they are operated or endorsed by FIDE.
A useful study question
Can you explain fide in your own words, identify it in a position, and describe when the idea does not apply? Test the explanation on a legal board before relying on it.
Connect the ideas
Elo rating, Grandmaster, Rating performance are useful next concepts. Follow the links to compare definitions and examples, then return to the complete chess glossary whenever an unfamiliar term appears.
Sources & further reading
References checked September 5, 2026. Linked services are independent of ChessRankings.com™.