Expert: Wuyanbu Zutali - 5/16/2008

Question
QUESTION: Could you classify the players specific ratings to their expertise?

1600 is the score you start of with...

ANSWER: Can you be more specific?

Are you asking what is the MSN or how are ratings calcuated or the strength level of players?




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: How are the rating calculated and what is the strength of these players compared to other online chess sites?

Answer
Hello again,


This is a complex question with math all over the place.
I suggest you go to the USCF.org site and click on ratings for a full account on how ratings are determined.

When you ask how they compare to other rating sites, my answer is the only rating site I recognize is by the USCF. The USCF is the worldwide  recognized enity for chess in the US. There are other systems used by chess clubs to all kinds of sites ran for a variety of reasons. I was contacted a few years ago by a gentlemen disgusted with the USCF and started his own rating system. I understand some computers chess programs can rate players these days based upon the amount of games played against it. But, playing against humans with nerves and an unforgiving clock involved can be a totally different story how one plays.

I've seen many kinds, but I only respect the USCF's and FIDE's rating systems. Anything else should be considered with caution. All that glitters isn't always gold.


I hope this helps.