Chess Rating Guides

Short, practical reads on how chess ratings actually work — written to pair with the calculators on this site.

• Lichess vs Chess.com Rating

  Why the same player gets very different numbers on each site, and how to compare them.

• What Is a Good Chess Rating?

  Rating bands from beginner to master, per platform, and how to see where you stand.

• How FIDE Ratings Work

  The Elo formula, K-factors, the 1400 floor, and how you get your first official rating.