To check and calculate UKD, you need to visit the TSF (Turkish Chess Federation) website. Entering either your Turkish ID number (T.C. kimlik numarası) or your surname will retrieve the player’s rating. For accuracy, it is recommended to enter the T.C. ID number rather than the surname to avoid confusion caused by similar last names.
If you want to prevent mix-ups due to identical surnames, enter your T.C. ID number to find your rating. If you don’t have that number memorized, check your identity card. You can perform the UKD check using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
What Is UKD and Why Is It Checked?
UKD stands for “Ulusal Kuvvet Derecesi” (National Strength Rating). This rating reflects the level of chess players. Players who take part in tournaments throughout the year receive a score calculated for each event, and their overall level is derived from these calculations. Sometimes a tournament may have finished but its results are not yet entered into the system; in that case, you can see which tournaments are included on ukd.tsf.org.tr.
The screenshot above shows tournaments included in the system as of the query date. The table also lists each tournament’s end date and the province where it was held. After checking your rating, you can see which events were used in the calculation.
Who Checks UKD?
Players who perform UKD checks are chess competitors registered with a TSF license. To have a UKD calculated, a player generally needs to have played at least seven games and achieved a performance above 1000. Players below that performance threshold or with too few games will not have a UKD calculated.
Even if you meet the required number of tournaments and performance, your UKD might not appear yet. This can happen when some tournaments are still pending inclusion in the calculation, as shown in the table above. Once pending events are processed, your current UKD rating will be available.
What Do You Need to Query UKD?
Although the basic information for a UKD query is your T.C. ID number and surname, the player must also hold a valid TSF license. Unlicensed players can obtain a license card from İş Bankası branches. Players whose license validity has expired can renew it via TSF provincial representatives. Only licensed players can perform a UKD query.
The TSF licensed player card looks like the image above. Keeping the card safe is important both for showing it when requested and for benefiting from the rights it grants.
How Are the Points Shown in UKD Calculations Determined?
UKD points are calculated based on tournament information reported by provincial TSF representatives. Once the tournaments selected for calculation are finalized, the points are published and announced in the “Turnuva Askı Listeleri” (Tournament Posting Lists) section of the TSF website. Tournaments that include players without license numbers or that fail to meet UKD calculation procedures will not be counted.
The “Turnuva Askı Listeleri” are published for five days. Anyone who objects to the list must submit their appeal within this period. If no objections are raised, the list is moved to the “Hesaplanmayı Bekleyenler” (Pending Calculation) section.
What Do the Queried UKD Scores Mean?
UKD points represent a player’s performance level. The score depends on the strength of opponents: defeating a stronger opponent yields a larger gain, while losing to a lower-rated player causes a larger drop.
How to Increase UKD Outside of Tournaments?
To raise your UKD without tournaments, you can complete tests on the “Satranç Akademi” website. The test levels and corresponding UKD values are listed as follows:
- White Pawn — 1000 UKD
- Silver Knight — 1100 UKD
- Silver Bishop — 1200 UKD
The image above shows available tests you can attempt. Select a test and begin; successful completion can contribute to the points that affect your UKD. When you qualify for points, you receive a certificate like the example below.
The certificate states the title earned and the points awarded. Those who pass the White Pawn level receive the “White Pawn” title. You may also earn the “Silver Knight” or “Silver Bishop” titles depending on your performance.
The “Silver Knight” title awards more points than “White Pawn,” while “Silver Bishop” yields the highest points. The certificate for that level appears as shown below.
Do UKD Scores Vary by City?
UKD scores do not differ by city. What matters is the rating of your opponents and your results against them. Defeating strong opponents in your city increases your chance of gaining a higher score.
Can You Appeal UKD Scores?
You have the right to appeal a UKD score. Submit your appeal through the “İtiraz Bildirim” (Appeal Notification) section on the TSF website. You will see an appeal submission screen like the one below.
On the appeal form, clearly explain your reasons and use professional language. After completing the form and pressing “Gönder” (Send), you will receive a tracking number. Keep this number to monitor the status of your appeal via the “İtiraz Takip” (Appeal Tracking) section.
To track an appeal, enter the requested information and click “Göster” (Show). If your appeal has been resolved, you will find all relevant information there. For unresolved appeals, check the site periodically for updates.
Which Titles Can Be Applied for Using UKD Scores?
You can apply for national titles using your UKD points. These national titles certify your chess success and are handled through the TSF website under the “Ulusal Usta Unvanı” (National Master Title) procedures.
Application requirements include:
- Being a Turkish citizen
- Having a TUR position in the FIDE Rating list
- Owning a license that has not expired
- Men having UKD above 2100; women having UKD above 1900
If you meet these criteria, you must complete the “Ulusal Unvan Başvuru Formu” (National Title Application Form). Additional conditions include no disciplinary penalties or prison sentences within the last three years.
Once national titles are approved, they are listed alphabetically by surname on the TSF website. You can check that list to see the result of your application. Female players are listed under “Kadın Ulusal Usta” (Women’s National Master) where applicable.
What Rankings Are Created Using UKD Scores?
UKD ranking lists are produced in three formats:
- Top 100 nationwide
- Top 100 by province
- UKD provincial lists
The “Top 100” shows the highest-rated players across Turkey. “Top 100 by province” ranks players within a specific city, and “UKD provincial lists” rank all TSF-licensed players in that province. Reviewing these lists lets you see your position relative to others.
What Are the Benefits of Checking UKD?
Checking your UKD offers advantages such as eligibility for titles and recognition at the national level. Knowing your UKD helps you set realistic goals and plan targeted training. Players can identify weaknesses and work with coaches to improve, making it easier to reach desired UKD levels through regular evaluation and structured practice.