Frequently Asked Questions

The SCF website regularly updates its events calendar with upcoming FIDE rated tournaments. You can find the calendar on the Tournaments page. To register for a FIDE rated tournament, you must first have a FIDE ID.

You may apply for a FIDE ID through the Singapore Chess Federation if you are a Singapore Citizen or a Permanent Resident of Singapore. A one-time admin fee will be charged for registration of new FIDE IDs. Please find the instructions and application form here.

Non Singapore Citizen/PRs should contact their respective National Chess Federations for FIDE ID application.

More information on how to get a FIDE Rating can be viewed here.

Levels from Beginner to JPS are progressive – one needs to go through the respective tiers and pass the exams in order to advance to the next level, with JPS being the highest level.

The next levels beyond JPS are classified under National Training Squads which includes NJDS, HPI and HP. These levels require qualifications through tournaments in order to enter.

The qualifying benchmarks for select events are reflected in the Selection Guidelines.

Individuals are eligible to apply for SCF Full Membership if they fulfil all of the following:

• Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident
• Twenty-one (21) years of age or above as of 1st January of the date of application
• Shall have involvement in chess activities organised or sanctioned by SCF within the last twenty-four (24) months preceding the date of application.

“Involvement in chess activities” includes but not limited to the following: Participating/helping in activities organised or sanctioned by SCF as a chess player, arbiter, coach, volunteer, official

Individuals who do not fulfil any of the requirements and are above 21 years of age may apply for Associate Membership

Individuals who are below 21 years of age may apply for Associate (Junior) Membership

Legal entities, organisations, clubs, institutions, schools, academies and international chess teams may apply for Associate (Affiliate) Membership

More information on membership can be found in our constitution.

Please refer to the Memberships Section for application process

Full Members, first and foremost, are allowed to vote at SCF General Meetings. Issues voted upon and discussed in such meetings include SCF Council elections and SCF annual reports. If you would like to have your voice heard in the running of the SCF, becoming a Full Member is a good way to do so.

Additionally, all Full and Associate Members receive benefits including but not limited to: Discounts for selected SCF events, Discounts for upcoming merchandise, and other benefits as decided by SCF

SCF Membership observes the Financial Year from 1 April to 31 March of the following year.

Renewal for membership shall be made between the 1st day of April and the 30th day of April.

There are many chess clubs open to the public in Singapore. Some of these chess clubs can be found here.