What is a good ranking on chess com?

Answered by Phillip Nicastro

A good ranking on Chess.com can be subjective and depend on various factors such as the time you have spent playing, your dedication to improving, and your overall goals in chess. However, to provide some guidance, I will discuss different rating levels on Chess.com and what they generally represent.

1. Beginner Level (Below 1000): If you have a rating below 1000 on Chess.com, you are likely just starting your chess journey. This level is common for beginners who are learning the rules, basic tactics, and strategies. It’s a starting point, and it’s important not to get discouraged by this rating. With practice and study, you can quickly improve and move up the ranks.

2. Intermediate Level (1000-1500): As you progress and gain more experience, reaching a rating between 1000 and 1500 is a significant milestone. At this level, you are likely familiar with basic opening principles, common tactical motifs, and have a basic understanding of positional concepts. You can enjoy games against players of similar skill and continue to learn and improve.

3. Advanced Level (1500-2000): Moving into the 1500 to 2000 rating range on Chess.com indicates a considerable level of experience and understanding of the game. Players at this level often have a solid foundation in opening theory, can recognize and execute tactical combinations, and have a good grasp of positional play. Reaching this level requires dedication and consistent practice.

4. Expert Level (2000-2200): Reaching a rating between 2000 and 2200 on Chess.com is a significant achievement and places you among the top players on the platform. At this level, you are likely well-versed in various opening systems, have a deep tactical understanding, and can formulate and execute strategic plans. It takes years of study, practice, and playing against strong opponents to reach this level.

5. Master Level (2200 and above): Once you cross the 2200 rating mark on Chess.com, you are considered a master-level player. This level represents a high degree of skill, deep understanding of chess principles, and the ability to compete against strong players. Masters often have a solid repertoire of openings, a wide range of tactical and positional knowledge, and the ability to analyze and evaluate complex positions accurately.

It’s important to note that while Chess.com ratings are a good measure of your progress, they are not equivalent to official FIDE ratings. Chess.com ratings may be slightly inflated compared to FIDE ratings due to differences in rating calculation methods and the player pool. Therefore, it’s essential to focus on personal growth and improvement rather than getting fixated on a specific rating number.

A good ranking on Chess.com depends on your goals and level of experience. Reaching a rating between 1500 and 2000 indicates solid progress and considerable skill, but ultimately, the most important aspect is continuous learning, improvement, and enjoying the game of chess.