Division Play and Ratings
Let's be frank: not everyone can practice chess for 8 hours daily, and some people will be better than you. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be a player, rank up, compete, and earn some loot.
Our skill-ranking AI algorithm analyses your stats to place you into a division with similar skill-level players.
When registering, based on their current known rating* or select unranked if unknown.
Skill Level | Elo | Division | Description |
Unrated | Unknown | Challenger | New players start here and remain until they have completed 30 games |
Beginner | <1200 | Challenger | For players who are new to chess or have limited experience. |
Intermediate | 1200 - 1599 | Contender | For players with a moderate understanding of chess principles and some playing experience. |
Advanced | 1600 - 1999 | Pro | For seasoned players aiming to reach the expert level. |
Pro | 2000 - 2199 | Pro | For highly skilled players |
Master | 2200 - 2399 | Elite | For top-tier players who have surpassed the pro level. |
Elite | 2400+ | Elite | For the highest level of competitive play, encompassing International Masters, Grandmasters, and above. |
After you have played 30 games of each mode, you are allocated to a grade from the open ladder and can start competing in tournaments. The more games played, the better our AI will get at assigning community ranking.
Before participating in any game type within a tournament—be it Blitz, Bullet, or Rapid—it is mandatory for players to complete 30 placement games in that specific game type. If a tournament encompasses multiple game types and you haven't completed your placement games for each type, you will be ineligible to participate.
Divisions
♣️ Challengers: < 1119 ❤️ Contenders: 1200-1599 💠 Pro: 1600+
Checkmate Zones
Checkmate has the following main zones:
Global
AO: Asia and Oceania
EAS: Europe and Southern Africa
MENAT: Middle East, North Africa + Turkey
AM: Americas
When you register, ensure you use the country where you hold a driver's licence or passport. You can play anywhere, anytime; players from all countries are welcome.
FIDE Zones
FIDE Zones will be used in the competitive mode for all official Asian Chess Federation and partner events.
National and Regional Zones
Our real-time tournament system allows new zones to be set up as required.
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