IM John Donaldson
the lowest form of chessmaster is NM, or national master, USCF >=2200. FM is higher,
standing for "FIDE Master" FIDE is the werld circuit with a different rating system where you have to add points to get USCF master so FIDE rating >2200 is FM but that usually means a USCF of 2300. then is SM or "senior master" for USCF >2400. next is "IM" or "International Master." this is offered by FIDE and requires certain norm points and stipulations about international play. usually USCF > 2500. John Donaldson is the current Mechanics Institute chess room director as of 2004.
standing for "FIDE Master" FIDE is the werld circuit with a different rating system where you have to add points to get USCF master so FIDE rating >2200 is FM but that usually means a USCF of 2300. then is SM or "senior master" for USCF >2400. next is "IM" or "International Master." this is offered by FIDE and requires certain norm points and stipulations about international play. usually USCF > 2500. John Donaldson is the current Mechanics Institute chess room director as of 2004.