For the computer chess engine, see Chessmaster.

A chess master is a chess player of such skill that he can nearly always beat players of the general strength found in chess clubs, who themselves typically can nearly always prevail against the level of play generally possessed by the average player in the general population. Among chess players, the term is often abbreviated to master, the meaning being clear from context. Chessmaster is a chess playing computer program, mentor and analyzer by Ubisoft. ... Chess is an abstract strategy board game for two players that is played both recreationally and competitively. ... Chess clubs are clubs with the intent of getting together and playing chess with others. ...

From the dawn of recorded chess, to the establishment of the first chess organizations, the term master was simply one of opinion. Strong players demonstrated their strength in play, and gained the informal reputation of being chess masters.

As chess became more widespread in the latter half of the 19th century, the term began to be given out by organizations. For example, in Germany, there arose an annual sponsored tournament, the Hauptturnier, the winners of which were awarded the title of "National Master". Emanuel Lasker, who later became World Champion, first earned a master title in one such tournament. Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ... Emanuel Lasker (December 24, 1868 – January 11, 1941) was a German World Chess Champion, mathematician, and philosopher born at Berlinchen in Brandenburg (now Barlinek in Poland). ... Current World Champion, Vladimir Kramnik. ...

The establishment of the world chess body, Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE), saw the creation of titles superior to the "national master" titles. FIDE created the titles "International Master" and "Grandmaster", awarded according to those achieving set requirements. FIDE eventually created the title of "FIDE Master", as the lowest master title it awarded. The Fédération Internationale des Échecs or World Chess Federation is an international organization that connects the various national chess federations around the world. ... The title International Master is awarded to outstanding chess players by the world chess organization FIDE. The title is open to both men and women. ... The title Grandmaster is awarded to world-class chess masters by the world chess organization FIDE. Apart from World Champion, Grandmaster is the highest title a chess player can attain. ... FIDE Master (FM) is a title awarded by the world chess governing body, Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE). ...

In the correspondence chess field, the International Correspondence Chess Federation ICCF awards titles "International Master", Senior International Master and "Grandmaster". These titles are also recognized by Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE). International Correspondence Chess Federation ICCF is the International Correspondence Chess Federation. ... The title International Master is awarded to outstanding chess players by the world chess organization FIDE. The title is open to both men and women. ... The title Grandmaster is awarded to world-class chess masters by the world chess organization FIDE. Apart from World Champion, Grandmaster is the highest title a chess player can attain. ... The Fédération Internationale des Échecs or World Chess Federation is an international organization that connects the various national chess federations around the world. ...

The United States Chess Federation (USCF) awards the Title of National Master to anyone who achieves a USCF rating of 2200, and the title of Senior Master to anyone who achieves a USCF rating of 2400. The USCF also awards the Life Master title to anyone who holds a National Master title for a total of 300 or more games in his or her lifetime. The United States Chess Federation (USCF) is a non-profit organization, the governing chess organization within the United States, and one of the federations of the FIDE. The USCF was founded in 1939 from the merger of two regional chess organizations, and grew gradually until 1972, when membership doubled to... This article or section is not written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. ... Life Master is a chess title awarded by the United States Chess Federation. ...