I recently attended a chess tournament and met an old friend of mine. He was someone I had mentored, and over time, he developed a love for chess as deep as mine. During this tournament, he realized he was paired against a player with the AFM title. Naturally, he was curious and asked, “What does the A stand for?”
Most chess enthusiasts are familiar with these common titles:
- CM – Candidate Master
- WCM – Woman Candidate Master
- FM – FIDE Master
- WFM – Woman FIDE Master
- IM – International Master
- WIM – Women’s International Master
- GM – Grand Master
- WGM – Woman Grand Master
But AFM?
Puzzled?
You’re not alone. It turns out many players aren’t yet familiar with these titles.
So, what are they? Well, firstly, the FIDE Online Arena is the official online platform of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), where players can engage in rated games and work their way towards earning Arena titles. Unlike traditional FIDE titles, which require over-the-board play, Arena titles are achieved purely through online play on the FIDE platform. Think of it as the FIDE-approved version of popular sites like Chess.com or Lichess, with one significant feature: its official recognition of acquired ratings by the governing body of world chess.
Here are the FIDE Arena titles:
- ACM – Arena Candidate Master
- AFM – Arena FIDE Master
- AIM – Arena International Master
- AGM – Arena Grand Master
These titles were primarily designed for players who may not have access to over-the-board tournaments, either for being busy or other valid reason. They encourage participation in FIDE rated online games and provide a way for more players to achieve recognition for their time, effort and skill in the Royal Game.
While FIDE Online Arena titles are distinct from the over-the-board ones, they serve as a motivating factor for players aspiring to further progress in the chess world. Imagine being an AFM today and working your way toward a full-fledged FM title in the future. The journey is what makes it exciting.
The introduction of these titles sparked heavy discussion within the chess community. Even today, some argue that online titles lack the prestige of traditional ones, but others believe they reflect the evolving landscape of chess in the digital age. After all, the online chess boom, fuelled by platforms such as Chess.com, Lichess, and, yes, the FIDE Online Arena, has brought millions into the game. It’s only natural that recognition adapts alongside this growth.
So, the next time you see someone with an “A” in their title, give them a nod of respect. They’ve put in hours of practice, climbed the online rating ladder, and earned their place in the FIDE Arena.
Who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll all proudly flaunt our own online titles, proving that chess is for everyone, whether it’s over a physical board or a digital one. After all, part of the beauty of chess is its inclusivity… and the endless possibilities it offers all, both on and off the board.