Originally posted by Evey HammondPersonally I agree with you, the only purpose is for matching up challenges. I could be several hundred points higher but choose to play most of my 135 + games blitz style as I enjoy the game and sod the rating.
Really. I had an opponent recently emphasize the fact that my rating was slipping, and I was outraged. But then I thought, what's a rating?
What do YOU think?
Originally posted by Evey HammondI hope I wasn't the opponent because I really don't think ratings are all that important. Sometimes my rating has gone over 1800 OTB but I haven't felt that I have been playing that well. Throughout that period I was getting into awful positions but defending for two hours and my opponents got tired/ pushed too hard. The players, I have noticed, whose rating increases are the players that defend well and are prepared to play into the endgame nursing some sort of imperceptible advantage.
Really. I had an opponent recently emphasize the fact that my rating was slipping, and I was outraged. But then I thought, what's a rating?
What do YOU think?
Originally posted by Evey HammondMy rating is of no importance at all to me. The only way it really affects me is that others think I am better than I actually am and should have greater knowledge than i apparently do. In general ratings cause far more trouble than they are worth.
Really. I had an opponent recently emphasize the fact that my rating was slipping, and I was outraged. But then I thought, what's a rating?
What do YOU think?
Originally posted by TyrannosauruschexYes, but it is how I measure progress. I'm trying to play well enough to stay above 1700 and that takes daily commitment to good moves (and no wine or beer).
I think when you reach a peak, it can feel like the greatest thing ever achieved.
However, when it starts to drop back down, it puts things into perspective and you remember that it is only a relative way of comparing your strength with another player.
Originally posted by Evey HammondI keep my rating in a pillowcase in back of the freezer where no one can find it. It's VERY important to me.
Really. I had an opponent recently emphasize the fact that my rating was slipping, and I was outraged. But then I thought, what's a rating?
What do YOU think?
P-
I'm not concerned. There will always be someone above or below me. My rating as an indicator of my progress? Who knows. As my experience increases, the frequency and type of mistakes I make will change with me- ultimately, I still am where I am.
I think it's just better to play; obsessing over my rating would probably do more harm to my chess than good...I play chess for me, to have some fun and work my brain. I figure if I stay positive, enjoy it, do a bit of studying, and keep playing, progress is inevitable. By setting some "I will reach XXXX rating by..." goal, I think I'd start to lose interest.
When I first started playing here I claimed a timeout because my opponent dissappeared (and was not responsive to reminders), but timeouts are something I don't care much about- again, it's back to ratings...I'd rather finish a good game (and possibly lose) than win and watch my rating rise because my opponent was a minute late.
Originally posted by eladyWe're not supposed to comment on games on progress. But I'll comment on your opponent - he's a complete jerk.
Rating?
my opponent Game 4417093 decided to stop moving after 40 moves and even asked me to resign. now he moves once at 3 days....