What is a Good Chess Rating? FIDE Ratings Explained
If you play online, you might have a rating of 800, 1500, or even 2000 on sites like Chess.com or Lichess. But how does that translate to the real world? Enter FIDE—the International Chess Federation.
The FIDE rating is the gold standard. It is harder to get, harder to increase, and universally respected. Here is the definitive guide to what the numbers actually mean.
Beginner (Unrated - 1199)
Just knowing the rules and basic tactics. Most casual players fall here.
Club Player (1200 - 1599)
You have a solid grasp of openings and don't hang pieces often. You can beat all your friends.
Strong Club Player (1600 - 1999)
Serious study is impactful here. Tactics are sharp, endgame knowledge is present.
Expert / Candidate Master (2000 - 2199)
Top 1% of all players. You consistently spot deep tactics and have a repertoire.
Grandmaster (2500+)
The chess elite. Professional players who have mastered the game.
How is Elo Calculated?
The math is simple: if you beat a higher-rated player, you gain more points. If you lose to a lower-rated player, you lose more points.
The key variable is the K-Factor.
- K=40: For new players (under 30 games) or juniors. Ratings swing wildly.
- K=20: For established players under 2400.
- K=10: For elite players (2400+). Gaining even 5 points here is a massive struggle.
Want to analyze the pros?
Check our Comparison Tool to see the rating history of top Grandmasters and visualize their rise to the top.