By Ankush Bhardwaj, FIDE National Instructor & AICF Certified Senior National Arbiter
If your child loves chess and you want them to grow into a tournament player and eventually earn a FIDE rating, this guide will help. As a FIDE National Instructor and Senior National Arbiter, I have trained hundreds of students and helped more than 10 children achieve their FIDE rating before the age of 12.
With professional experience in 20+ FIDE-rated tournaments and over 40+ local tournaments, I know exactly what steps parents should take to support their child’s chess journey.
My Journey as a Player
As a chess player myself, I have proudly represented Jammu & Kashmir at the national level in 2018. Some of my career highlights include:
- 🏆 Winning 1st Prize in the Below 1400 Category at Jaipur in 2018.
- 🎯 Defeating the top player of a Kashmir tournament in 2023, Khodovikov Stanilov (FIDE 1967, Russia).
- 🥇 Beating a player rated 2133 FIDE, my strongest win so far.
- 🌟 Achieving my best performance in the Second Heritage Sangroor Tournament, where I scored 7.5/9 points and finished 6th out of 700+ participants.
- 📈 Many more strong performances across state and national events.
With this dual experience as both a player and a coach, I understand what it truly takes to transform a beginner into a competitive, rated chess player.
Why Chess Tournaments Are Important for Kids
Chess is more than solving puzzles and learning strategies in class. True growth comes only when your child competes in tournaments.
Think of it like swimming—you cannot learn to swim by only reading about it. You must get into the water. Similarly, your child must enter the competitive arena to apply tactics, strategies, and decision-making skills under pressure.
Participating in kids’ chess tournaments helps children learn:
- Discipline and focus.
- How to use the chess clock.
- Rules like touch-move and claiming illegal moves.
- How to stay calm in long games.
When Should Your Child Start Playing Chess Tournaments?
Parents often ask, “When is the right time for my child to play a chess tournament?”
If your child has been learning chess for at least six months, it’s time to start.
Recommended Tournament Schedule:
- Enroll your child in at least 3 tournaments a year.
- Don’t focus on results during the first 3 tournaments—treat them as learning experiences.
- From the 4th or 5th tournament onwards, you will start seeing real progress.
The First Step Toward a FIDE Rating
If your child wants to become a fide rated player and get a FIDE rating, participation in official tournaments is a must. Playing regularly in rated tournaments will help them:
- Understand international chess rules.
- Gain confidence in competitive play.
- Earn a starting FIDE rating after consistent participation.
Parents’ Role in Building a Tournament Player
As a parent, your role is not to push your child to win, but to give them opportunities.
✅ Take your child to chess tournaments.
✅ Support them emotionally, regardless of results.
❌ Avoid putting pressure with phrases like “Win this game” or “Bring home a prize.”
Remember, the first tournaments are about experience, not medals. Progress comes naturally with time and practice.
How to Join FIDE-Rated & National Chess Events
To find upcoming FIDE-rated and national chess tournaments, visit the official AICF events page:
https://aicf.in/all-events/
Here you can register your child for tournaments and track events happening across India.
Conclusion
Turning your child into a strong fide rated chess player is a journey of patience and consistency. After learning chess for six months, start taking them to tournaments. Focus on the experience rather than results, and let them grow through real competition.
If your child has already cleared the beginner level, the next step is clear—get them into competitive play. That’s where the real chess journey begins.