Lee
Chess Club Ranking System
 Games
ending in a clear result (win, lose or draw) will be recorded via computer
into a chess club manager program that automatically adjusts the ratings
of the individual players. We use the Harkness Scoring System, which
is a standard of many official tournaments.
There are several reasons we use a ranking system. Most importantly,
it helps match players whose skill levels are well-suited. A badly matched
game can be a frustrating and/or boring experience for both players.
Scoring can also add an exciting (and, often, motivating) dimension
to players who enjoy tracking their movement through the ranks. (For
example, they will find that they are more highly rewarded when they
beat an opponent of a higher rank than when they beat an equal- or lower-rated
opponent.) Moreover, when players finds themselves in particularly challenging
situations, the knowledge that game results will be recorded can help
some players push themselves a little harder rather than give up; this
usually leads to a deeper learning experience (some students find it
particularly difficult to finish games, and so have a tendency to give
up without learning how to navigate endgames). Finally, by giving students
a taste of the machinations of an official ranking system, they are
better prepared to continue their development as tournament players,
if they so choose.
The ranking system, hopefully, will help strengthen the involvement
of most Chess Club players. But, especially since they are not playing
under tournament conditions, students should not take the scoring system
too seriously. They should practice being "good sports," even
at times when a loss is recorded for a game they think they could have
won. There will be plenty more games to play!
When games are not completed by the end of Chess Club, students will
be expected to note the game's position (using supplied forms) and complete
the game the following week.
 Harkness
Rating System
All chess club members begin the year with a rating of 900 (unless
they already have a rating from a previous year, or an offical USCF
rating).
The idea behind the rating system is that players are rewarded more
for winning (or drawing) against a higher-rated player than an equal-
or lower-rated player.
For example, if a player rated 748 forces a draw while playing someone
rated 984, the chart below shows that, because the difference in their
ratings was 236, the lower-rated player will gain nine points, and the
higher-rated player will lose nine points.
In general, students should try to find opponents within 50 or so
points of their rating.
 |
Opponent
Rating
Difference |
If High Wins,
Add to Winner &
Deduct from Loser |
If Low Wins,
Add to Winner &
Deduct from Loser |
If a Draw,
Add to Low &
Deduct from High |
| 000 to 024 |
16 |
16 |
0 |
| 025 to 049 |
15 |
17 |
1 |
| 050 to 074 |
14 |
18 |
2 |
| 075 to 099 |
13 |
19 |
3 |
| 100 to 124 |
12 |
20 |
4 |
| 125 to 149 |
11 |
21 |
5 |
| 150 to 174 |
10 |
22 |
6 |
| 175 to 199 |
9 |
23 |
7 |
| 200 to 224 |
8 |
24 |
8 |
| 225 to 249 |
7 |
25 |
9 |
| 250 to 274 |
6 |
26 |
10 |
| 275 to 299 |
5 |
27 |
11 |
| 300 or More |
4 |
28 |
12 |
|
|
|