this was suggested in another thread by Greyeyesofsorrow. Do you think it helps to know an opponent's rating? Objectively speaking, you should always try for the best move on the board, but who hasn't taken his/her opponent's rating into consideration? Maybe it would be a good idea in the long run to ignore the rating and look for the best moves. I have noticed that I can almost predict my opponent's rating by his style of play. Very low rated players develop haphazardly and leave holes all over the place. Middle rated players develop well but never seem to opt for the sharper variations. High rated players usually play sharp, edgy openings that reflect recent theory. If a high rated player makes an unusual move, I might head to the books to check it out. If it's a lower rated player, I just might assume he/she doesn't know the lines. This, of course, may not be the correct thinking, but I believe is a common method of play.
Rating is irrelevant. If you know the strongest continuation of a particular line then you should play it. If your opponent is stronger they know that deviating too much from the books is probably going to lead them into a bad situation if you show them that you know the line that you are playing well.
Originally posted by 64 SquaresIts easy to say it like that, its not so easy to follow it. I have countless games on RHP where iv done a bad sac and just thought "Oh hes such and such a rating i'll find something" the getting totally kicked around. Also really really tempted to play for opening traps, often im just itching to play the "oh my god" gambit but manage not to because i know its bad bad bad, but I still want to give it a spin against lower rated players. Basicly the lower the rating the more risky my play.
Rating is irrelevant. If you know the strongest continuation of a particular line then you should play it. If your opponent is stronger they know that deviating too much from the books is probably going to lead them into a bad situation if you show them that you know the line that you are playing well.
I love playing gambits, but know that they very seldom work out well against strong opponents. So I am guilty of checking out a players rating before I decide on the opening.
Beyond that, however, I will usually try to find the best possible move, regardless of rating.
However, I must admit my game often crumbles against strong opponents, partly because they are much better players, but also partly due to a subconscious defeatism that seems set in when I'm on the back foot..
If I didn't know the opponents rating would I play differently? Yes, probably but not intentionally.
Originally posted by buddy2I think it has only been detrimental to my play during a game.
Do you think it helps to know an opponent's rating?
I have only recently changed to expecting lower rated players to play the best reply I can find. This change has helped my play improve against lower rated players.
But I do think it is valuable to know my opponent's rating when I ask my opponent for analysis or advice.
Originally posted by GatecrasherGame 809485
I love playing gambits, but know that they very seldom work out well against strong opponents. So I am guilty of checking out a players rating before I decide on the opening.
Beyond that, however, I will usually try to find the best possible move, regardless of rating.
However, I must admit my game often crumbles against strong opponents, partly ...[text shortened]... dn't know the opponents rating would I play differently? Yes, probably but not intentionally.
Had I opted for the Ruy (which is my preferred opening), this game would've lasted at least twice as long. So, yes, I do look at ratings when it comes to selecting openings.
Originally posted by lucifershammerNice game.
Game 809485
Had I opted for the Ruy (which is my preferred opening), this game would've lasted at least twice as long. So, yes, I do look at ratings when it comes to selecting openings.