Lifetime Title System Abolished

USCF's class norms system is similar to the system FIDE (the World Chess Federation) uses to determine GM and IM titles. There is no time limit to earn a class title. Norm points remain on file until a player achieves his or her next norm title.

Each player's membership record contains his or her present title (if any) and separate fields for the number of norm points he or she has earned toward the next two titles. The current title and the number of points toward the next norm title are published in the Rating List and Supplements in the form of a norm code following the player's rating (see example below). The number of points earned toward a title two norm levels (200 points) above the current norm title is not published.

The norm code system consists of a letter (see Table I below) representing the player's current title and a norm number. The norm number is the number of points earned toward the next norm title. John Chess has a norm code of "c2", which means he currently holds the Certified Class C title (1400) and two points toward the Advanced Class C title (1500). John's points toward a Certified Class B title (two norm levels above Certified Class C title) are not printed. (See Questions and Answers section).

A person earns norm points toward titles by exceeding the expected score of a player with the minimum rating of that level by the following number of points, which is referred to as the "delta."

In a six-round event, an 1800 player is expected to score 3-3 against all opponents rated 1800. A 3.5-2.5 score (0.5 point above the expected score) achieves an 1800 norm. A 1900 player with opponents rated 1800 is expected to score 3.84 points, so a minimum score of 4.5-1.5 is needed to achieve a 1900 norm. A 5.5-0.5 score is enough for a 2000 norm. Players receive credit for the highest norm achieved.

a. Norms can be earned only in events of four rounds or greater (the person must play at least four rated games).

b. A minimum score of two game points in the event is required, not counting unplayed games.

c. Ten norm points are required for a norm title.

d. Making a norm earns two norm points toward the title for that level.

e. A player who does not have the title 100 points below his or her present norm level also earns five points toward that title. For example, if a player with a 1600 title exceeds the expected score of a person with an 1800 title, he or she earns five points toward the 1700 title and two points toward the 1800 title.

f. A player who does not have the title 200 points below his or her present norm level automatically achieves that title. For example, if a player with a 1600 title exceeds the expected score of a person with a 1900 title, he or she earns the 1700 title, five points toward the 1800 title, and two points toward the 1900 title.

1. A player who achieves an established rating, but not the title corresponding to 100 points below this rating, is awarded that title.
2. At the present time, only players with established ratings can earn norm titles.
   

After the rating program computes post-tournament ratings, class norms are calculated if the following criteria are met: a minimum score of two game points in the event is required, not counting unplayed games; the event consists of at least four rounds; the player has an established rating; and the event is not a rated match.

A player's initial title is calculated by subtracting 100 points from his or her present rating and setting the last two digits to zero (see norm rule "g"). For example, if a player has an 1830 established rating, his or her norm code is "B0" (Advanced Class B) and the norm level is 1700. The number to the right of the player's class norm code is zero. The player needs ten norm points to achieve the Certified Class A title.

A provisionally-rated player's class code field is blank, as these players cannot yet earn norm points or titles.

Example of norm calculation: Barry Bishop's norm title, not rating, before the tournament was Advanced Class B (1700 norm level) and he had zero points toward Certified Class A title ("B0" class norm code). He played against people with post-tournament ratings of 1720, 1750, 1800, 1770, and 1600; he finished with a 3-2 score.

Step 1. Find the scoring probability against each opponent by calculating the difference between Barry's pre-tournament (current) norm level and his opponents' post-tournament ratings. Look at Table III to find the scoring probability.

(a)- The player's pre-tournament norm level (1700) is higher than the opponent's post-tournament rating.

(b) - The player's pre-tournament norm level is lower than the opponent's post-tournament rating.

Step 2. Calculate the sum of the scoring probability number of all opponents.

Sum of scoring probability of opponents: 2.301

Step 3. Subtract the sum of the scoring probability calculated in step two from the player's final tournament score. In this example, the player scored three points.

Step 4. Compare the number obtained in step three with the delta value in Table II. Since five rounds were played, "0.6" from the "Delta Table" would be compared with 0.699 (which was obtained in step three). Barry exceeded the expected score of a player at the 1700 norm level because 0.699 was greater than 0.6.

Steps one through four are repeated for every norm level above a player's pre-tournament norm level until the player fails to exceed the expected score of a person at a higher norm level. In this example, the program determines if Barry exceeds the expected score of a player at the 1800 norm level. If he does, the program determines if he exceeds the expected score of a player at the 1900 norm level, etc.

The following procedure determines if Barry achieves the expected score of a player at the 1800 norm level:

Step 1. Find the scoring probability against each opponent by calculating the difference between an 1800 norm level and Barry's opponents' post-tournament ratings.

(a) - The 1800 norm level is higher than opponent's post-tournament rating.

Step 2. Calculate the sum of the scoring probability numbers of all opponents.

Step 3. Subtract the sum of scoring probability calculated in step two (2.987) from number of points in tournament (three points).

Step 4. Compare the number obtained in step three (0.013) with delta value in the Delta Table (0.6). Barry failed to exceed the expected score of a player at the 1800 norm level. His highest norm level performance was 1700 (see calculating the 1700 norm level).

Since Barry gained two norm points toward Advanced Class B norm, his post-tournament norm code would be "B2." He would need eight more points to achieve "Certified Class A" norm.

Q: Why does the USCF need a system of lifetime title? The USCF already has a rating system.

A: The new title system is not a rating system. The present rating system is still used as an indicator of current playing strength for pairings, prize awards, etc. Titles indicate not present strength, but lifetime achievement. Consider, for example, the late Sammy Reshevsky; though not among the top 50 in the country in his later years, he was surely number one among U.S. players in lifetime achievement.

Q: Can a player earn norm points while playing a rated match?

A: No.

Q: If a player's norm code was "B8" before the tournament and he exceeded the expected score of a person at the 1700 norm level, how would his post-tournament norm code appear on the crosstable?

A: The norm number after the tournament would be ten (eight points before tournament plus two points for exceeding the expected score in the tournament) and the Certified Class A title norm would be achieved. The norm code would be changed to "a0."

Q: Can a player still achieve the Life Master title by winning at least 300 games at the 2200 level?

A: Yes.

Q: Is it possible for a player's title to be demoted?

A: Ordinarily, a player's title is never lowered. However, a player with a long period of poor results may request a 100-point title demotion.

Q: Can I tell if I have norm points toward the title 200 points above my current title?

A: Yes. When you make a norm for the level 200 points above your present level, you get a five-point bonus toward the level 100 points up. Thus, if you have an odd number of norm points, you have two points toward the class 200 above your present class. If you do this twice, you will have more than ten norm points and moved up a class. So you can't have more than two points for a class 200 points up.

Q: Can I have norm points toward the title 300 points above my current title?

A: No. If you had earned such norm points, your title would have automatically been raised one level.

Q: What about fluke performances? A Class B player may achieve an expert performance in one tournament, yet is still just B strength.

A: Statistical theory predicts that players will occasionally have such "lucky" performances. This has been taken into account in designing the title system. The overwhelming majority of player should not achieve titles well above their actual strength. For example, in a four-round tournament, a performance rating of about 2060 would be required to achieve an expert norm. A performance rating in the 1960-2059 area would earn only a 1900 norm. This generates only an automatic 1700 title for a B player, plus five norm points toward the 1800 title and two points toward the 1900 title. If this player's strength remains Class B, he will have great difficulty earning the 1800 and especially the 1900 title. If he really goes all out and plays in many tournaments, perhaps he'll get the 1800 title. If he plays that much in pursuit of the title, the norm system is doing its job of stimulating activity.

Q: If I'm a B player and I get lucky once, doesn't this mean I won't be able to play in B anymore?

A: No director is required to use titles or best performances for pairing or prize purposes. However, any organization may occasionally be alerted by a norm to assign a minimum rating.

NOTE: A player can achieve norm titles in both the regular and Quick over-the-board rating systems, but these titles are kept separate.

If you have additional questions on calculating class norm, please contact the USCF, 3054 NYS Route 9W, New Windsor, NY 12553.

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