ratings
Chess 101
Why Is My USCF Rating Not Going Up?
You play tournament after tournament.You study openings.You analyze your games.Yet your USCF rating barely moves. Or worse, it goes down....
Chess 101
Understanding the USCF Rating Floor: A Simple Guide for Chess Players
If you’ve played chess in the United States for a while, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Don’t worry, you can’t...
Chess 101
What does the K-factor in chess mean? an easy explanation
The K-factor (or development coefficient) is one of the simplest pieces in the mathematics behind chess ratings. In plain language,...
News
Rethinking FIDE’s Elo System: The Vũ Anh Case and the K-Factor Paradox
FIDE’s rating system gives young players certain advantages. Under current rules, players under 18 and below 2300 Elo receive a...
News
Ranking the Top US Chess Players December 2025
The December 2025 FIDE rating lists offer a clear snapshot of where American chess stands on the global stage. Every...
Chess 101
What Chess Rating Is Considered Good?
People who play chess often ask the same simple question. What rating should I aim for to call myself “good”?...
Chess 101
What Is a Good Chess.com Rating at Every Age?
Chess.com ratings can feel confusing. Some kids hit 1500 in months. Some adults stay at 800 for years. And every...
Chess 101
How to Increase USCF Points Quickly (clear, practical & advanced guide)
If your goal is to raise your USCF rating quickly, you’ll get the fastest results by combining smart tournament selection,...
Chess 101
FIDE vs USCF Ratings: What’s the Difference?
If you play over-the-board chess, you’ve probably seen at least two different rating numbers next to players’ names: a FIDE...
News
Why Chess Twitter Is Exploding Over FIDE’s Rating Changes
The chess world has been buzzing after Ukrainian Grandmaster Oleksandr Bortnyk accused FIDE – the global chess federation – of...