The win nobody saw coming

Some wins make the whole room go quiet. You earn a win like that because you stay calm and keep looking for a good move. Strong players do that in every game.

Two ways to earn it

The game must be a serious one. Club nights, tournament rounds, school matches and team matches all count, but a quick fun game does not. Then you win it in one of two ways:

• One way is that your opponent was clearly stronger. Maybe they had a higher rating, which is a number that shows how strong a player is. Maybe they had played for many more years than you. Or on your own team, they play a higher board, where the stronger players sit.
• The other way is that you were clearly losing, a whole piece behind or worse. Then you fought back and won the game.

The game ends in checkmate, or your opponent resigns, which means they give up. If their time runs out while you still have enough pieces to checkmate, that counts too. A draw does not earn this sticker.

Stronger is not unbeatable

A higher rating does not win games by itself. Even the best players can lose to a surprise. In 2002, Judit Polgar beat Garry Kasparov, who was the world number one. She was the first woman ever to beat the world's top player.

Coach tips for the fightback

Against a stronger player, play your normal chess and make safe moves, one at a time. If you are losing badly, keep playing, because your opponent still has to find the winning moves. Make each one of them hard to find. Keep your king safe, and set a trap that does not cost you a piece. A player who is far ahead often relaxes, and that is your chance.

How you get the sticker

Your grown-up or coach checks it and hands you the sticker. Show them the results list, the standings or your scoresheet with the moves on it. If you are not sure your opponent was stronger, your grown-up or coach decides. If you have no club yet, your grown-up at home checks it. Did you win a game like this before you had the passport? It still counts.