“Chess is a game by its form, an art by its content, and a science by the difficulty of gaining mastery in it.” — Tigran Petrosian
Chess is a game full of complexity and chess rating is the method to classify the professional level of players.
So, what is a good chess rating? How is it calculated?
Let us understand the chess ranking system and find out how it defines the hierarchy
What is the Chess Rating System?
Firstly, the chess rating most of the tournaments refer to is the brainchild of the famous chess master, Arpad Emrick Elo.
As per the Elo rating system, the higher the rating difference between two players, the more the chances of winning for a higher-rated player.
If you win a game, you increase your rating.
Simple!
You must first register with USCF (The United States Chess Federation), FIDE(The International Chess Federation or Federation International des Echecs), or any national chess federation to get a performance rating.
These days, many online chess sites are gaining massive popularity. But, the online ratings differ from the USCF or Elo system.
What is a Good Chess Rating?
As you read above, rating a player’s game is done to weigh their strengths and skills.
The range is vast, but a good chess rating falls anywhere between 1200 to 2700.
What makes a good rating?
- Results of chess tournaments
- Ranking of the winning player
- Position of the losing player
How do you Get a Rating?
“Knowing which pieces you want to exchange is a great help in finding the right moves.” — Graham Burgess.
When you find the right move, you make the game exciting and competitive for the opponent. That’s one of the rules of chess games.
Similarly, the more you play, the more your ranking evolves. The federation analyzes your game after every tournament and prepares a player rating chart.
This is how ratings are calculated:
| Conditions | Addition or Subtraction of Points |
| When you win against a rated player who is 300 points ahead of you | +60 |
| When you win against a player of the same caliber | +30 |
| When you win against a player with -300 points ranking | No points added |
| When you lose for the second time from a player +300 points | No points subtracted |
| When you lose against a similar-level player | -30 |
| When you lose against a player at -300 points | -60 |
| If you win or lose the game with an unrated player | No changes |
| If the game with a similar level player is a draw | Minor changes
|
What is the Highest Chess Rating ever?
The “Masters” or the “Grandmasters” usually have a rating close to 2400.
What is the Chess Rating of an Average Player?
Typically, players move up the rating ladder in a staircase fashion. So, they reach a plateau and then take a vertical leap to the next plateau.
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The average rating for a player keeps changing with tournaments and individual performances.
Let us look at the below stats to know about the average rating.
| Chess Rating | Category | Meaning |
| 400 | Novice | Just started as a registered player |
| 800 | Beginner | The player knows the basics. Also understands the threats and opportunities. |
| 801-1200 | Developing | Knows the strategies |
| 1201-1400 | Average or Intermediate | Players listed close to a good ranking list |
| 1401-1600 | Above average | Listed among the scholastic chess players |
| 1601-2000 | Good | Very few players from the school level reach here |
| 2001-2200 | Expert or Chess Master | Ready to beat the amateurs |
| 2201-2400 | Senior Chess Master | Players who have surpassed the performance-based norms set by the federation |
| 2401-2500 | Grandmaster(GM) | The chess rating of this range is the minimum requirement for a GM title |
| 2501-2900 | World Champion | The winner of the official world chess championship |
| 2901-3000 | To date, no player has got a rating higher than 3000. |
The average chess rating ranges between 1201-1400.
Why are the Ratings Important?
In chess, the endgames and ratings decide the deserving candidate for the GM title.
The most prestigious titles go to those who are strong and rule the ranking.
Ratings are important to
- Get a competitive opponent in your tournaments
- Track your performances over the years
- Use your rating as a research standard and a reference number for others to understand
- Predict the game based on your ranking as a player
The Psychological Aspect of Chess Rating
When you play chess, your expectations from the game and the calculations related to the game gets altered by opponent’s move. While you may be trying to read your opponent’s mind, you may tend to forget to see their rate graph.
Many players knowingly refuse to look at the opponent’s chess ratings thinking it might distract them.
You should take an interest in knowing your opponent’s score as much as you focus on your ratings. It gives you an insight that can work as a strategy for you!
The psychological exercise behind going through a player’s rating is a part of mental readiness and the right attitude that the game requires.
You prepare yourself for the two possibilities- trouble or opportunity.
FAQs
Does a rating of 800 a good one for chess?
Not really. Players who score 800 falls into the lower division category in the ranking hierarchy.
How long it takes to get a beginner’s rating?
It might take a few years to acquire the skills of a good chess player. With hours of practice, you can reach the beginner level.
What is a live rating?
Live rating is a daily update on the top chess player and their ratings. These ratings are accurate, and you can see them within one minute of the game being over.
What is the highest-ever rating in chess?
The highest-ever rating in chess is 2851 by Gary Kasparov.
Is it advisable to learn chess early in life?
Yes, we advise parents to allow their kids to pick up chess early so that they understand the fundamentals reasonably before entering the mainstream chess sport. Learning from a young age develops the critical thinking ability in a child.
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Conclusion
Chess is a game of calculations. Several factors collectively place you on the ranking list. However, no matter your ranking, one thing that remains constant is that you play to win.
When you are in a game, the opponent is as challenging as the game is. As a solo player, your focus must be on all aspects of the game, not just one.
Working on the long-term goal sets the path for your higher ranking and longevity in the game.
In the end, the best chess rating is the one that defeats the previous best rating.