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How to Improve ELO Ratings in Online Chess

The ELO rating (named for Arpad E. Elo) in chess is a way of determining a player's skill level and is helpful in making sure players are not unevenly matched in a tournament. In online chess, the ELO rating is important because it limits which players you find yourself matched against. Because the ELO is determined by your win and loss record coupled with the quality of the players you have played, it is important to develop your ELO mindfully.

Instructions

- 1
  Start playing against players with an ELO rating of approximately 1200. These are the middle ranked players and you need to see how you perform against them before you receive your own ELO rating.
- 2
  Limit the number of games you play at one time in online chess. Many beginning online players overcommit themselves and lose several games because they time out on their move.
- 3
  Match yourself primarily within one hundred points of your current ELO rating. Playing players significantly below your current rating does little to boost your standing if you win and players considerably higher than you have no problem besting you within a few moves.
- 4
  Concentrate most on games against talented players. You can learn a great deal about the game by reviewing the strategy of players who have defeated you in online chess games.
- 5
  Accept the fact that you won't be able to win every online chess game. There is no reason to feel ashamed of being bested by a shrewd opponent when a rematch is just a click away.
- 6
  Add players as your friend if you particularly enjoyed the game. Often, these players may chat with you on the forum and give you crucial tips for chess success.

Chess & Checkers