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Online Chess Rating System FAQs
The ChessWorld.net rating system ensures fair play and helps you track your progress. It combines provisional performance ratings with the Elo system to give meaningful results. Below are the most common questions about ratings, calculations, graphs, TPR, HERA, and more.
📊 ChessWorld Rating System
Q. How are Ratings calculated?
First 50 games use the ECF performance-based system. After 50 games, Elo rating applies:
r1 + K × (w − 1 / [1 + 10^((r2 − r1) / 400)])
- r1 = your rating
- r2 = opponent’s rating
- w = result (0 loss, 0.5 draw, 1 win)
- K = factor depending on rating
K ranges from 32 (≤1600) to 16 (≥3200). For provisional opponents, K scales with games played. Try the ChessWorld Elo calculator for examples.
Q. Why have a Rating system?
A rating system helps match players fairly and indicates relative skill. It reflects progress over time and makes competitive play meaningful.
Q. Why does rating fluctuate heavily in my first games?
Provisional ratings swing because the sample size is small. After ~50 games, ratings stabilise. View trends via My Stuff ... My Ratings.
Q. Does everyone start at 1400?
Yes. Equivalent to ECF 100. Early fluctuations make the starting point less important.
Q. Can I start with my official rating?
Yes. You can set your FIDE rating equivalent when registering. Verification may be required.
Q. Can Guest Members play rated games?
Normally no, except against Welcomers or in Guest Welcoming Tournaments. This prevents rating abuse.
Q. Why don’t games ≤10 half-moves count?
To avoid manipulation via quick agreed results. Exception: checkmates within 10 moves are rated.
Q. Can I see rating predictions?
Yes. Full Members can enable full rating predictor display in My Stuff ... My Interface.
Q. What are Rating Classifications?
ChessWorld defines classifications by rating range, e.g., Beginner (≤1600), Intermediate (1601–2400), Advanced (2401+). Class tournaments use narrower bands (A–D).
Q. What does Percentile mean?
Your rank compared to all players. E.g., 99th percentile = stronger than 99% of members. Shown in your Rating tab.
Q. What does the Rating Graph show?
The graph shows wins, draws, losses, and time forfeits over time. Useful for spotting trends and streaks. Accessible via My Stuff ... My Rating.
Q. What is HERA?
Highest Ever Rating Achieved. Shown when hovering over a player’s name. Indicates peak performance but may not reflect current form.
Q. What is TPR?
Tournament Performance Rating measures performance in completed tournaments. A positive TPR suggests playing above expectations. Displayed on tournament cross-tables.
Q. What is an Upset?
When a significantly lower-rated player beats a much higher-rated opponent (e.g., 1500 beating 2000).
Q. What does SD mean?
Standard Deviation shown in stats blocks. Low SD = consistent performance; high SD = variable results.
Q. Why do completed game boards show two ratings?
One is the rating at the time of the game, the other the current rating. Provides context for performance evaluation.
👉 Track your progress and compete fairly with our Play Online Chess platform, supported by a transparent rating system.