Chess is a game of strategy, intellect, and precision. It has been played for centuries, and with the advent of technology, it is now available to be played online. Online chess along with online chess ratings has brought the game to a wider audience, allowing players to compete with others from all over the world. One of the most significant aspects of online chess is the player’s rating, which measures their skill level. Players strive to improve their rating and protect it from dropping. In this article, we will examine why people try to protect their online chess rating and why they should not.
Firstly, people try to protect their online chess rating because it is a measure of their skill level. The rating system is a way for players to compare themselves to others and see how they are progressing. Players can gain confidence and motivation from seeing their rating increase. Furthermore, many online chess websites offer rewards or recognition to players who achieve high ratings. This can range from badges or trophies on the website to invitations to prestigious tournaments.
Secondly, people try to protect their online chess rating because they fear the consequences of a low rating. A low rating can be perceived as a lack of skill and can result in lower self-esteem. Furthermore, it can be embarrassing to have a low rating, particularly if the player is competitive and has a reputation to uphold. A low rating can also make it more difficult to find opponents to play against, as stronger players may be less inclined to play against a weaker opponent.
On Lichess.org, a player who has not played rated games for several months has a question mark next to their rating. This puts their rating in provisional status.
However, despite these reasons, there are several compelling reasons why players should not try to protect their online chess rating. Firstly, the obsession with protecting the rating can be detrimental to the enjoyment of the game. Chess is a game that is meant to be played for fun and intellectual stimulation, and the focus on protecting one’s rating can take away from that experience. Instead of playing to enjoy the game, players may become overly focused on winning at all costs, which can lead to frustration and burnout.
Secondly, the focus on protecting the rating can lead to cheating. Some players may resort to cheating to protect their rating, such as using chess engines or collaborating with others. This undermines the integrity of the game and goes against the spirit of fair play. Cheating can also lead to a sense of guilt or shame and can damage the player’s reputation in the online chess community.
Thirdly, the obsession with protecting the rating can lead to a lack of growth and development. When players become overly focused on their rating, they may avoid playing against stronger opponents, as losing could result in a drop in their rating. However, playing against stronger opponents is one of the best ways to improve one’s game. By playing against stronger opponents, players can learn from their mistakes, identify areas for improvement, and gain valuable experience.
Why you should not preserve your online chess rating
While the online chess rating system can be a useful tool for measuring one’s skill level and providing motivation for improvement, players should not become overly obsessed with protecting their rating. The focus on the rating can take away from the enjoyment of the game, lead to cheating, and hinder growth and development. Instead, players should focus on playing for the love of the game and embracing the challenges that come with playing against stronger opponents. By doing so, they can improve their skills, gain valuable experience, and ultimately achieve a higher rating through hard work and dedication.