Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion Mithawk - chess questions

Hello everyone,

I just returned from a two week vacation with blissfully little internet connectivity and therefore am just catching up on all the postings.

Quantum2003, I personally would have thought that 1000 is the dividing line between advanced beginner and intermediate, but again I am not sure that is a useful answer without understanding the rationale for the question.

As others have pointed out, you can get a ratings estimate from several programs. But below 1000, I don't think they mean very much. When my son was rated 400, he would occasionally lose to unrated players and occasionally beat players rated 1000+. It was really a matter of which player avoided traps and one move mistakes, and how the style of the game fit each player (some players prefer wide open attacking positions whereas others prefer defensive games).

LOL. That makes sense! He can only win the first two levels.

I think you hit the nail on the head. DS has had analagous experiences at chess camp. I personally don't know what the dividing line ought to be, but took it from the competition categories and computer chess categories. My question stemmed from two completely distinct considerations. I am considering a mentorship opportunity for DS which requires a minimum rating and I am not sure whether DS would be a good candidate. DS also is preparing to enter scholastic tournaments which have several categories and I am considering whether he should enter the lowest category or the one above it.

Start with the lowest level category, which ideally has a number of other unrated players. It will become quickly apparent after one or two tournaments whether or not your son is ready to move up.

Thanks. That was pretty much what I have decided.