Originally posted by Dance Master MCin the long run, yes. because you learn more playing better opponents (although that requires you to actually analyze your lost games, find out why you lost, and take concrete action against whatever weakness in your skills caused it).
I think that when you play a game against someone with a lower rating than you, the result isn't that good. If you win, then you only get like 7 rating points, if you lose you drop by about 20+ rating points. So is it better to play someone who is rated somewhat higher than you?
ratingswise, it doesn't matter much.
Originally posted by Dance Master MCMy way is to play a few players rated below me - in expectation of enjoying victory to keep my morale up. Then a larger bunch of games with players rated just below me, or slightly higher. These are the games I try and win more than I lose of. Then I play a small number of players rated well above me - in hope of snatching a win every dozen or so games. Assuming I come out on top with the middle group, this way I have slowly improved my rating. Might not improve for too much longer though! 🙂
I think that when you play a game against someone with a lower rating than you, the result isn't that good. If you win, then you only get like 7 rating points, if you lose you drop by about 20+ rating points. So is it better to play someone who is rated somewhat higher than you?
Your rating on a computer game really shouldn't matter as much as what the rating that you believe you are at. If you are truely interested in improving your rating then play anyone and everyone. Over time your true ability will show on your computer rating and the level at which you play.
In OTB play, I had just broke into "B" class, 1600+, and I sat down into a tournament game with an unrated player. He crushed me, and during our game I found out that he was rated over 2100 FIDE in europe and had just moved to the US. Fortunately in USCF , his rating AFTER the tourney was what I got scored against. That's not the case here. (I think)
THAT'S why you don't play 1200 provisiional players on this site. It's a crapshoot, and too many beginners here can be very good players.
Originally posted by SamdoggThe system is constructed so it doesn't pay to play provisional players. It is surely a risque that the provisional 1200'ers has a skill of 2000 points and they wipe the a** of yours. Even if you win, you only get peanut points for the effort.
I agree. I ask you, when you started playing, did you only play people with provisional ratings or did you play with people with 20 games or more under there belt?
This is a problem, but how can you construct the system differently?
You asked who I played with when I started? Why, with other 1200'ers of course. I had troubles finding any serious player wanting to play with me.
And this is a problem, but with whom may you play if not with the other 1200'ers?
My comment that the 1200'ers should play with other 1200'ers was meant to be a joke, but it turns out that it is a problem instead.
Originally posted by FabianFnasmy reply wasn't towards you
The system is constructed so it doesn't pay to play provisional players. It is surely a risque that the provisional 1200'ers has a skill of 2000 points and they wipe the a** of yours. Even if you win, you only get peanut points for the effort.
This is a problem, but how can you construct the system differently?
You asked who I played with when I st ...[text shortened]... with other 1200'ers was meant to be a joke, but it turns out that it is a problem instead.
Originally posted by GreatSantiniAll the more reason to play them. For one it helps another achieve a better rating, and two it would be a game you could learn from if you had lost. I guess your advice would be the best for someone who cares about a computer rating, but atleast if you played them you would have a goal to get better for a rematch when you were ready.
In OTB play, I had just broke into "B" class, 1600+, and I sat down into a tournament game with an unrated player. He crushed me, and during our game I found out that he was rated over 2100 FIDE in europe and had just moved to the US. Fortunately in USCF , his rating AFTER the tourney was what I got scored against. That's not the case here. (I think)
...[text shortened]... yers on this site. It's a crapshoot, and too many beginners here can be very good players.
you lose/win against a provisional player only half of the points you'd otherwise lose. from the max 32 points that's only 16, which is exactly the same you'd lose against someone with your own rating.
so it doesn't matter ratingswise.
furthermore, the median of all players is around 1280, which makes it reasonable to assume your nonprovisional opponents will average around the same. if one of your provisional opponents happens to be, against all odds, 2000+, you still lose only 16 points max.
it really doesn't matter much.