For those of you that have followed the "soap-opera" saga of the
Stevens/babe, xenophobe/mathews debacles, and who have not read
or do not understand the nature of the elo system and how it is
affected by these sorts of things, I will attempt to explain it in simple
terms. I could explain it mathematically, but it would serve no point as
those who are able to follow such an explanation already clearly
understand the point that I am making. The elo system of chess
ratings (and several other competitive games) was designed to give
competitive players a structure by which to ascertain a statistic
expectancy of winning/losing/drawing with other players who have
obtained differing results. It is designed such that it reflects recent
performance. I will provide you with a little story that hopefully will
explain it. Several years ago in an over-the-board tournament that I
was playing in, there was a new player by the name of " Dr. Greg
Jackson" (a chiropractor) who was playing his very first tournament.
Greg did not look like your typical tournament chess player (I have
been accused of the very same thing). he was very muscular with a
dark tan and bleach-blonde hair. He looked more like a California life
guard than chess aficionado. Greg was greatly underestimated by his
conservative looking opponents who believed that he should be a total
pushover on the board. This is not a mistake that masters make
(they generally try to play good chess regardless of who they are
playing), but it is common for class players to not play their best
chess when they underestimate their opponent. Anyways, Greg turned
out to be a solid A/B player who should have received a provisional
rating of around 1700-1800 which is very good for a first tournament.
He in fact received a rating of 2120 as he won 4 out of his 5 games
losing only to a strong master. This novelty he enjoyed was short-lived
as he was never underestimated again. His rating was quickly trimmed
down to 1700 and change after only 3 more tournaments. It is the
nature of the elo system to adjust to normalcy after an "unnatural"
variation. In reference to this explanation, my rating also has been
restored to normalcy as I have converted several games since. I have
won less points for each win and lost more for each draw that I have
allowed in order to achieve such normalcy. That being said, I hope we
can finally put this matter to rest for once and for all!