Expert: Wuyanbu Zutali - 4/18/2007

Question
QUESTION: I am new at chess but I see that players have scores of 2727 or so on. How is it that they reach to that number? Please explain it to me as simple as posible so I could have a better understanding.

Thank You
ANSWER: Hello Karyna,

Actually we call these "scores" ratings. These ratings are calculated by participating in tournaments sanctioned by the United States Chess Federation(USCF).  
On a national scale, the ratings are based upon how you perform against players in a rated tournament. For example, if you played in a tournament and players were rated, let's say 1500-1600 and you beat them all, your rating would be 1700-1800 or higher. But let's say you lost all your games, your rating would be between 1300-1400.  Here's a simple way to look at ratings: if you were a 1500, you can beat 50% of the US chess tournament population. People rated above 2000 can defeat 90% or more of the players they face. So, players rated 2500 are world class players/grandmasters.
Each country has their own version of the USCF, but the world governing body, FIDE, regulates and awards titles for international players.

I hope this helps.


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

QUESTION: Thanks for your reply and it did clear up some of my questions. However if you go to a tournament and players were rated 1500-1600 as you stated above, how did they get that rating is there a chart or a guideline that tells you a specific opening will give you so much points if you win?

Thank you for your help

Answer
Hello again!

Keep in mind that chess in its modern form, has been around since the late 1700's and has evolved. Since then, the Elo rating system was used for decades to determine ratings. The way they figured it was if your opponent is 300 points higher than you and you win, you get about 30 points added to whatever your rating is. If you lost to someone 300 points or higher, you lose zero. If players were about equal in ratings the winner would get about 17 points.  The loser would lose about 17 points. With draws it was about an even split...depending upon the rating difference. Again, this is simplified but pretty accurate. If you go to uschess.org, they explain ratings in much detail. If you are new in chess, don't worry so much about ratings until you get about 1300 1400. For now concentrate on getting better. The rating points will come. Tournaments are fun. Join a chess club and practice with good players. You'll have fun meeting smart people like yourself.

I hope this helps a little more!