ELO Rating

[Glen211]

I recently had a player ask me to take the ELO rating off in a game that I started. What is the advantage of doing that?

[Jest Phulin]

Making a game with ELO off allows players with different rankings to more easily play against each other. It is often used for teaching and "just for fun" games.

I use it quite often in teaching games. If I have a high ELO, and play against someone with a very low ELO (especially an Apprentice or Beginner), then I must win the game or suffer a huge ELO penalty. If I am near the bottom border of a ranking (Expert, Master, etc.) this could easily drop me down to the point where I won't be allowed at tables with others of my actual ability. When teaching, though, I often like making moves that are not ideal, just to show why they are not ideal. Difficult to do when I must win.

Then, too, are the just for fun games. I've seen videos of NBA stars returning to their home areas, playing in pickup games, and getting beat badly. I can pretty much guarantee they aren't in the same frame of mind for playing as if they knew their multi-million dollar contracts depended on their performance. But, they wanted to have fun. So, turn the ELO off so one can enjoy the game, without having to analyze every move.

Of course, this could easily lead into the recurring discussion of "Why ELO is broken", but hopefully the thread won't get hijacked for that.

[Glen211]

Very nice explanation. Thank you!