National Master Certificate

Hi,

On Saturday I hit 2200 for the first time.

As I understand it, that makes me a National Master (a lifetime title, right?).

Do I have to apply for the title? If so, how? Or will the USCF just send me a certificate and update the ratings site without any action on my part?

Furthermore, since a re-rate could affect my rating (and knock it down to 2199), will they wait a few months (or some other time period) before awarding the title?

Thank you

Eugene Brumley

126 30 415

I’m not positive, but i think they stopped sending out certificates. Maybe you can get one by asking for it though?

Congratulations. You will have to have someone official from the office inform you of the details. At one time the USCF sent certificates out automatically with a letter signed by the Executive Director. This accomplishment was treated as an important milestone for a player. I am not sure how a re-rate affects things, but I wouldn’t be happy until the rating was definitely above 2200.

Don’t be satisfied. Stay hungry and keep working. That is the only way to keep your rating from sliding. Set a new goal of having 300+ games above the 2200 level. To stay above 2200 is a lot harder than achieving the number in the first place.

Thank you. OLM is in fact one of my next goals. I’d also like to crack 2300 (or at least 2250, as a sort of personal validation of deserving NM). But we’ll see - I am married with two young children. It’s a lonely pursuit.

I called the USCF, and talked to Walter Browne (the GM?). He said he would have a certificate sent soon, the ratings page would be soon updated, and that the USCF has not yet automated the process.

Nope, NTD Walter Brown (spelled differently than the GM).