Skill Level.

[skyward]

What constitutes a person's skill level? Example: I have seen a 5 skill level with an 1850 rating. After reviewing that person's games it is apparent that person is not a 5 skill level but maybe a 2 or 3. I have also seen a 1 skill level with a plus 2000 rating with games that indicate this player is not a 1 skill level but a 2 or 3 skill level. Do you think there should be a system that automatically puts a player in the correct skill level based on their ratings and game opponents? All comments are appreciated. Thank you.

[Stan Steliga]

There is no perfect answer for the Skill Level. I originally provided it so people could at least give some indication of their experience level.

In my mind, the levels would be defined like this:
1 = You're just starting to learn to play, or maybe you learned a long time ago, but only play once in a great while.
2 = You know how to play, but don't win very often against players that play regularly.
3 = You can hold you're own against many, but are also beaten my many players.
4 = You usually win but can't seem to get by those players who can recite opening and end-game strategies like the bible.
5 = You da man (or woman)! You hardly ever lose.

[ZorMaster]

You also can start by level 1 and climbed to a higher level in time. Only thing you have to do is change settings. If you play a 50 games with a loss percentage of 15 percent, you are for certain no rookie in chess and a possible 3 level player.

I also had my setting on level one when i played here for the first time, in some time it was clearly, also in order to my OTB chess level, i am more a 4 or 5 level player.

I wish you a good time by one of the finest chess sites with a great owner(Stan)

Natacha,Stans Chess Master

[skyward]

Thank you ZorMaster. I hope we can play a game someday. Cheers!

[skyward]

Thanks Stan. This really helps. It means I should change my skill level to 3. Thanks for the input. I will pass this on to others.

[Johnny5]

Good topic Skyward. I just hope people pay attention and follow Stan's guide.