A new chess drama has fans buzzing with excitement and anticipation as FIDE, the International Chess Federation, is rolling out a game-changing update to its rating system, and none other than Hikaru Nakamura triggered it. So, what’s the deal? Let’s see.
FIDE Changes 400-Point Rule For 2650+ Players
Since 2024, FIDE has had a “400-point rule” in place. This rule capped the rating difference at 400 points when calculating rating changes after games. So, no matter if a super-grandmaster faced someone rated 700 points lower, the system treated that difference as just 400 points. The upside? High-rated players could rack up small but consistent rating gains for wins against much lower-rated rivals. Well, that “farming” is officially over for players rated 2650 and above.
Starting October 1, 2025, FIDE scrapped the 400-point cap exclusively for these elite chess warriors. Now, the exact rating gap matters when calculating rating changes. Translation? If a 2700-rated player beats someone rated 2100, the rating gain is barely a sliver, like 0.1 point, or sometimes even zero if the gap is above 735 points. On the flip side, a slip-up or a draw against a significantly weaker opponent can severely dent their rating. Pressure much?
Why The Sudden Crackdown?
Well, Nakamura set off alarm bells. The world number two embarked on a marathon of “Mickey Mouse” tournaments, events with super-low-rated opponents, to satisfy the 40 classical games required for a shot at the 2026 Candidates Tournament. He cashed in with multiple wins and a neat 9-point rating boost, climbing closer to Magnus Carlsen. Carlsen himself joked this move was “absolutely shameless” but pragmatic, a sly nod to smart gaming within the rules.
FIDE’s CEO, GM Emil Sutovsky, didn’t mince words: “No more farming.” The new rule is aimed squarely at stopping top players from padding their ratings by demolishing beginners, insisting that players above 2650 prove their mettle against equally formidable foes. According to Sutovsky, about 70 top grandmasters will feel the impact.
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Critics like GM David Howell call it “short-sighted and flawed,” arguing the change punishes the broader chess ecosystem, especially pros who rely on open tournaments for income. Others see it as a tweak necessary for fairness and maintaining professionalism.
This change doesn’t just affect Nakamura; it shines a spotlight on a bigger issue in competitive chess. With top players now less tempted to “farm,” games against weaker opponents will be almost rating-neutral in benefit but potentially rating-crippling in case of a hiccup.
Also read: FIDE CEO On Hikaru Nakamura’s Allegations Of Magnus Carlsen Favouritism
