People who play chess often ask the same simple question. What rating should I aim for to call myself “good”? The short answer is: it depends. Ratings measure how strong you are compared to other players in a specific pool. Which pool matters. Over-the-board ratings. Online ratings. Club players. Professionals. This article explains the rating systems, typical ranges, and what “good” means for different goals.
How chess ratings work
Most chess ratings use the Elo system or a close variant. After every rated game, the winner gains points and the loser loses points. The amount gained or lost depends on the players’ current ratings. If a lower-rated player beats a much higher-rated player, the upset earns more points. Ratings are intended to predict results. If your rating is 200 points higher than your opponent, you are expected to score roughly 75 percent.
Common rating lists
There are two main worlds of ratings. One is over-the-board ratings, which come from national federations like US Chess (USCF) or the international body FIDE. The other is online chess sites such as Chess.com and Lichess. Over-the-board ratings are used for official titles and tournaments. Online ratings are useful for practice but do not carry the same formal meaning. Expect numbers to differ between sites and organizations.
Typical rating ranges and what they usually mean
Below are broad ranges that help you understand how players tend to fall. These are rough categories, not rigid rules.
Beginner. 0 to 800.
New players who just learned the rules and basic moves often fall here. They are learning piece movement, checkmates, and basic tactics.
Casual club player. 800 to 1400.
Players in this range know basic tactics like forks and pins. They can play sensible opening moves but still miss some tactical shots and endgame technique.
Serious club player. 1400 to 1800.
These players study tactics, basic opening ideas, and fundamental endgames. They regularly compete in local tournaments and win games by planning and calculation.
Strong club or expert. 1800 to 2000.
At this level, players show consistent tactical vision and strategic understanding. They make fewer blunders and understand typical plans in common openings.
Expert and candidate master range. 2000 to 2200.
These players are very strong. In many national systems, a 2000-plus rating is respected and often called “expert.” They have deep knowledge of openings and endgames and can convert small advantages reliably.
Master and above. 2200 and up.
A rating of 2200 often corresponds to National Master level in some countries. FIDE titles begin to appear above this level. International Master and Grandmaster levels are typically 2400 and 2500 respectively, plus norms and other requirements.
Important note about titles.
Titles like FIDE Master, International Master, and Grandmaster are not given solely for rating numbers. They also require norms, which are strong performances in specific kinds of tournaments. But rating thresholds are a good guide: FM around 2300, IM around 2400, and GM normally requires a peak rating of 2500 plus norms.
OTB Chess Rating Levels Overview
| Rating Range | Level Description | What It Usually Means |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 800 | Beginner | Learning rules, basic moves, simple checkmates. Frequent blunders. |
| 800 to 1200 | Developing Player | Understands basic tactics. Can follow opening principles. Still inconsistent. |
| 1200 to 1400 | Casual Club Level | Beats most beginners. Recognizes common tactical patterns. |
| 1400 to 1600 | Solid Club Player | Understands strategy, basic endgames, and typical opening ideas. Competitive at local clubs. |
| 1600 to 1800 | Strong Club Player | Good tactical vision. Fewer blunders. Can create and follow game plans. |
| 1800 to 2000 | Advanced Club Player | Strong overall understanding. Performs well in tournaments. |
| 2000 to 2200 | Expert Level | Deep opening knowledge. Reliable calculation. Often called “expert” or “candidate master” depending on the system. |
| 2200 to 2400 | Master Level | High-level competitive strength. 2200 often equals National Master. |
| 2400 to 2500 | International Master Strength | Very strong players. Usually IM-level with required norms. |
| 2500 and up | Grandmaster Strength | World-class skill. Requires norms plus peak rating of 2500. Very rare. |
Online ratings compared to over-the-board ratings
Online ratings are convenient and plentiful, but they are not identical to OTB ratings. Many online ratings are inflated compared to official ratings. The size of the difference varies by site and by time control. For example, blitz and bullet online ratings often sit higher than classical OTB ratings. If you play mostly online, compare your rating to players on the same platform to judge your level.
| Player Type | Typical Online Rating (Chess.com / Lichess) | Typical OTB Rating (USCF / FIDE) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 600 to 900 | 300 to 600 | Online pools are larger and inflate numbers. |
| Improving Player | 900 to 1200 | 600 to 1000 | Online tactics practice speeds up improvement. |
| Club Player | 1200 to 1500 | 1000 to 1300 | Many club players have OTB ratings lower than their online blitz. |
| Strong Club Player | 1500 to 1800 | 1300 to 1600 | Online blitz is usually higher because players gain more experience. |
| Advanced Club Player | 1800 to 2100 | 1600 to 1900 | Online rapid often reflects strength more accurately than blitz. |
| Expert Level | 2100 to 2300 | 1900 to 2100 | OTB ratings tend to be tighter and harder to inflate. |
| Master Level | 2300 to 2500 | 2100 to 2300 | Many titled players have online ratings well above their OTB. |
| IM Strength and Above | 2600 to 3000+ | 2400 to 2500+ | Online ratings at the top are highly inflated. |
What “good” means depends on your goal
If your goal is casual fun, a rating of 800 to 1200 can already be satisfying. If you want to be competitive in local tournaments, aim for 1400 to 1700. If you wish to reach master level, prepare for a long-term commitment and targets above 2200. For coaches and clubs, “good” might mean consistently beating most club opponents and helping others improve.
Percentiles and perspective
One useful way to judge a rating is to think in percentiles. A 1500 OTB or online rating often places a player above the average casual competitor. A 2000 rating places a player in a smaller, stronger group of tournament veterans. A 2400-plus player is among the top few percent of competitive players worldwide. Exact percentiles change by pool and site, so use them as a general guide.
| Rating Level | Percentile | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | Top 60 percent | Slightly above brand-new players. |
| 1000 | Top 50 percent | Average casual online player. |
| 1200 | Top 35 percent | Solid developing player. |
| 1400 | Top 25 percent | Consistent club-level ability. |
| 1600 | Top 15 percent | Strong club competitor. |
| 1800 | Top 10 percent | Above-average tournament strength. |
| 2000 | Top 5 percent | Expert-level ability. Serious achievement. |
| 2200 | Top 1 to 2 percent | National Master strength. Rare. |
| 2400 | Top 0.2 percent | International Master level range. Very rare. |
| 2500+ | Top 0.1 percent | Grandmaster strength. Extremely rare. |
How to improve your rating
If you want to raise your rating, focus on a few practical habits.
- Practice tactics daily. Tactics win or lose most club games.
- Review your own games. Find mistakes and learn from them.
- Learn basic endgames. King and pawn, rook endgames, and simple theoretical mates make a big difference.
- Study opening principles rather than memorizing long lines. Understand typical plans.
- Play slow games sometimes. Longer time controls force deeper thinking.
- Work with stronger players or a coach when possible. Quality feedback shortens the learning curve.
Mindset matters
Ratings are a tool, not the whole story. Avoid comparing across different systems too strictly. Use rating changes as feedback on progress. A small rating drop can mean you learned from difficult opponents. Always balance results with learning.
FAQ: Common Questions About What Counts as a Good Chess Rating
Is a chess rating of 1000 good?
A 1000 rating is normal for beginners and early club players. It means you know the rules and basic tactics. It is not considered strong, but it is a solid starting point and you can improve quickly from here.
Is a 1200 rating good?
A 1200 rating is slightly above beginner level. You understand basic opening ideas and can spot simple tactics. Many casual players never reach 1200, so it is a good milestone.
Is a 1500 chess rating bad?
No. A 1500 rating is above average for most casual and online players. It means you are developing real skills. At local clubs, 1500 is a respectable level.
Is 1600 a good chess rating?
Yes. A 1600 player is a solid club competitor. You can beat most casual players and hold your own in tournaments.
Is 1800 a strong chess rating?
Yes. An 1800 rating places you in the stronger part of most club environments. You understand strategy, tactics, and endgames better than most amateurs.
Is a 2000 chess rating rare?
It is uncommon. A 2000 rating places you in the top few percent of competitive players in most national systems. It is a serious achievement.
How rare is a 2200 rating?
Very rare. A 2200 rating is often the mark of a National Master. Only a small percentage of active tournament players ever reach it.
What IQ is equal to a 2000 chess rating?
There is no scientific link between IQ scores and chess ratings. A 2000 rating reflects chess knowledge, practice, and experience, not IQ.
Is a 2500 chess rating possible for a normal person?
Reaching 2500 is extremely difficult. It normally requires many years of intense training, strong coaching, and competitive tournament experience. It is not impossible, but only a small number of players reach this level.
Is 800 a good chess rating?
For a new player, yes. For experienced players, 800 is low. If you are new, you can often climb from 800 to 1200 with practice.
Is 1000 ELO enough to enjoy chess?
Yes. Ratings do not determine fun. A 1000 player can enjoy games, puzzles, and improvement just like anyone else.
What is considered an average chess rating?
Online, the average rating is often around 1100 to 1300 depending on the site and time control. Over the board, the average active club player may be around 1400 to 1500.
What is a good chess rating for a kid?
For kids, improvement matters more than the number. Many young players start at 300 to 600 and reach 1000 quickly. Talented or competitive kids may reach 1500 to 1800 with training.
Which rating is needed to beat most casual players?
A rating of 1400 to 1600 is usually enough to beat most casual opponents consistently.
What rating is needed to be called a master?
In many systems, 2200 is the National Master level. FIDE titles require higher numbers and performance norms.
How high can most people reach?
Most dedicated adults can reach 1400 to 1800 with study and regular practice. Reaching 2000 and beyond requires stronger training and discipline.
I’m Xuan Binh, the founder of Attacking Chess, and the Deputy Head of Communications at the Vietnam Chess Federation (VCF). My chess.com and lichess rating is above 2300. Send me a challenge or message via Lichess. Follow me on Twitter (X) or Facebook.