Is My ELO Good? (Skill Analysis of Each ELO Rating, 200-2500)

The exact skill level associated with a given Elo rating can vary somewhat between different online chess platforms due to differences in their player pools and rating systems.

However, we can make some general observations about what you might expect at each 100-point interval, keeping in mind that online ratings tend to be somewhat inflated compared to FIDE ratings.

In the ratings below, please note that when we mention 2200 ELO levels, for example, this would correlate more to a lower-level expert (because we’re referencing online ratings) than a master (as it would with an official FIDE rating).

And a 2500 ELO online (master) is different than a 2500 ELO FIDE rating (grandmaster).

Table of Contents

200-300 Elo: Complete Beginner

Opening Theory: Little to no knowledge. Just learning to move the pieces.
Tactics: Struggles with basic tactics.
Position: Limited understanding of piece development and king safety.

300-400 Elo: Novice

Opening Theory: May know a few opening moves, but not consistently.
Tactics: Might see one-move threats.
Position: Basic understanding of piece development.

400-500 Elo: Improving Novice

Opening Theory: Knows a few opening moves but without understanding the ideas behind them.
Tactics: Can sometimes spot basic tactics like forks and pins.
Position: Beginning to understand the importance of controlling the center.

500-600 Elo: Intermediate Novice

Opening Theory: Some knowledge of popular openings but often deviates early given lack of theoretical knowledge.
Tactics: Can execute and defend against simple tactics.
Position: Understands basic principles but may not follow them in games.

600-700 Elo: Advanced Novice

Opening Theory: Knows a few moves deep into a few openings.
Tactics: Recognizes common tactical patterns.
Position: Understands basic positional concepts like open files and weak squares.

700-800 Elo: Developing Beginner

Opening Theory: Can follow mainline openings for a few moves.
Tactics: Can spot tactics but will miss complex ones.
Position: Can identify weak and strong squares but may not know how to exploit them.

800-900 Elo: Competent Beginner

Opening Theory: Understands some opening principles but may not follow specific lines.
Tactics: Regularly identifies basic tactical opportunities.
Position: Understands basic pawn structure and piece activity.

900-1000 Elo: Good Beginner

Opening Theory: Can follow mainline openings for several moves.
Tactics: Rarely misses simple tactics (unless crunched for time).
Position: Can formulate basic plans based on the position.

1000-1100 Elo: Advanced Beginner

Opening Theory: Has a small repertoire of opening lines.
Tactics: Understands discovered attacks, double attacks, and more.
Position: Can evaluate positions and create plans.

1100-1200 Elo: Low Intermediate

Opening Theory: Understands the ideas behind opening moves.
Tactics: Can calculate several moves ahead in tactical sequences.
Position: Understands weak squares, good/bad bishops, etc.

1200-1300 Elo: Developing Intermediate

Opening Theory: Has a solid opening repertoire and understands the plans.
Tactics: Can foresee opponent’s tactical threats.
Position: Can exploit positional weaknesses.

1300-1400 Elo: Competent Intermediate

Opening Theory: Can navigate through various opening lines effectively.
Tactics: Can solve more complex tactical puzzles.
Position: Understands outposts, open files, and pawn breaks.

1400-1500 Elo: Good Intermediate

Opening Theory: Can adapt opening play based on opponent’s moves.
Tactics: Rarely blunders pieces and sets tactical traps.
Position: Understands more complex positional concepts.

1500-1600 Elo: Above-Average Intermediate

Opening Theory: Has a deep understanding of multiple opening systems.
Tactics: Can calculate complex tactical sequences.
Position: Understands positional sacrifices.

1600-1700 Elo: Advanced Intermediate

Opening Theory: Solid understanding of several openings and related middle-game plans.
Tactics: Rarely misses simple tactics and can calculate a few moves deep.
Position: Understands key positional concepts and can formulate plans.

1700-1800 Elo: Very Advanced Intermediate

Opening Theory: Has a well-established opening repertoire and understands resulting positions.
Tactics: Can identify complex tactical sequences and combinations.
Position: Can exploit positional weaknesses and understands pawn structures.

1800-1900 Elo: Near Expert

Opening Theory: Deep knowledge of openings and can navigate through various sidelines.
Tactics: Consistently spots tactical opportunities and defends against threats.
Position: Proficient in managing piece activity and pawn structures.

1900-2000 Elo: Lower-Level Expert

Opening Theory: Can transition from the opening to the middle game smoothly, understanding key plans.
Tactics: Rarely blunders and can foresee most tactical sequences.
Position: Can create and execute plans based on positional features.

2000-2100 Elo: Developing Expert

Opening Theory: Extensive knowledge of opening theory and can adjust to opponents’ deviations.
Tactics: Can calculate complex tactical variations accurately.
Position: Strong positional play, understanding of minor piece imbalances.

2100-2200 Elo: Competent Expert

Opening Theory: Deep and broad opening knowledge, with understanding of many variations.
Tactics: Sharp tactical vision and rarely misses tactical shots.
Position: Developed positional understanding and strategic planning.

2200-2300 Elo: Average Expert

Opening Theory: Profound opening knowledge, possibly with some specialization in certain lines.
Tactics: Almost always spots and calculates tactics accurately.
Position: Can convert positional advantages and understands intricate positional nuances.

2300-2400 Elo: Above-Average Expert

Opening Theory: Expertise in various opening lines, with deep preparation.
Tactics: Exceptional tactical awareness and calculation.
Position: Can navigate through complex positions and find optimal plans.

2400-2500 Elo: Advanced Expert / Near Master Level

Opening Theory: Strong opening preparation, often with novelties and deep understanding.
Tactics: Extremely sharp and accurate, with deep calculation abilities.
Position: Superior positional understanding, able to find resources in difficult positions.

Above 2500 Elo: Master Plus

Opening Theory: Advanced understanding and preparation, often contributing to opening theory once grandmasters.
Tactics: Precise and deep tactical calculation.
Position: Profound positional understanding, capable of deeply nuanced play.

Is a 500 ELO Good?

A 500 ELO rating falls under the “Intermediate Novice” category.

Players at this level have some knowledge of popular openings but often deviate early due to a lack of theoretical knowledge.

They can execute and defend against simple tactics.

While they understand basic principles, they may not consistently follow them in games.

It’s a step or two above a complete beginner, but there’s still a lot to learn.

Is a 600 ELO Good?

A 600 ELO is categorized as “Advanced Novice.”

Players at this rating know a few moves deep into a few openings.

They recognize common tactical patterns and understand basic positional concepts like open files and weak squares.

They are progressing and starting to grasp more intricate aspects of the game.

Is a 700 ELO Good?

At 700 ELO, a player is a “Developing Beginner.”

They can follow mainline openings for a few moves and can spot tactics, though they might miss the more complex ones.

They can identify weak and strong squares but may not know how to exploit them fully.

It’s a transitional phase where foundational skills are solidifying.

Is a 800 ELO Good?

An 800 ELO is considered “Competent Beginner.”

Players understand some opening principles but may not follow specific lines.

They regularly identify basic tactical opportunities and have a grasp on basic pawn structure and piece activity.

They’re starting to play with more strategy and foresight.

Is a 900 ELO Good?

A 900 ELO player is a “Good Beginner.”

They can follow mainline openings for several moves and rarely miss simple tactics, unless under time pressure.

They can also formulate basic plans based on the position, showing a deeper understanding of the game’s dynamics.

Is a 1000 ELO Good?

At 1000 ELO, a player is an “Advanced Beginner.”

They have a small repertoire of opening lines and understand tactics like discovered attacks and double attacks.

They can evaluate positions and create plans, marking a significant step in their chess journey.

Is a 1100 ELO Good?

An 1100 ELO is “Low Intermediate.”

Players understand the ideas behind opening moves and can calculate several moves ahead in tactical sequences.

They grasp concepts like weak squares, good/bad bishops, and more.

Their gameplay is more refined and strategic.

Is a 1200 ELO Good?

A 1200 ELO player is “Developing Intermediate.”

They have a solid opening repertoire and understand the associated plans.

They can foresee opponent’s tactical threats and exploit positional weaknesses.

Their game is becoming more nuanced and sophisticated.

Is a 1300 ELO Good?

At 1300 ELO, a player is “Competent Intermediate.”

They can navigate through various opening lines effectively and solve more complex tactical puzzles.

They understand outposts, open files, and pawn breaks, showcasing a deeper understanding of the game’s intricacies.

Is a 1400 ELO Good?

A 1400 ELO is “Good Intermediate.”

Players can adapt their opening play based on their opponent’s moves.

They rarely blunder pieces and set tactical traps.

They also understand more complex positional concepts, making them formidable opponents.

Is a 1500 ELO Good?

A 1500 ELO player is “Above-Average Intermediate.”

They have a deep understanding of multiple opening systems and can calculate complex tactical sequences.

They also understand positional sacrifices, marking a high level of gameplay sophistication.

Is a 1600 ELO Good?

At 1600 ELO, a player is “Advanced Intermediate.”

They have a solid understanding of several openings and related middle-game plans.

They rarely miss simple tactics and can calculate a few moves deep.

Their positional understanding is key, and they can formulate advanced plans.

Is a 1700 ELO Good?

A 1700 ELO is “Very Advanced Intermediate.”

Players have a well-established opening repertoire and understand the resulting positions deeply.

They can identify complex tactical sequences and combinations and exploit positional weaknesses with a keen understanding of pawn structures.

Is a 1800 ELO Good?

At 1800 ELO, a player is “Near Expert.”

They possess deep knowledge of openings and can navigate through various sidelines.

They consistently spot tactical opportunities and are proficient in managing piece activity and pawn structures.

Is a 1900 ELO Good?

A 1900 ELO player is a “Lower-Level Expert.”

They can transition from the opening to the middle game smoothly, understanding key plans.

They rarely blunder and can foresee most tactical sequences.

Their ability to create and execute plans based on positional features is commendable.

Is a 2000 ELO Good?

A 2000 ELO is considered “Developing Expert.”

Players at this level have extensive knowledge of opening theory and can adjust to opponents’ deviations effectively.

They can calculate complex tactical variations accurately and exhibit strong positional play, understanding minor piece imbalances and other nuances.

Is a 2100 ELO Good?

At 2100 ELO, a player is a “Competent Expert.”

They possess deep and broad opening knowledge, understanding many variations and intricacies.

Their tactical vision is sharp, and they rarely miss tactical opportunities.

Their developed positional understanding and strategic planning make them formidable opponents.

Is a 2200 ELO Good?

A 2200 ELO player is an “Average Expert.”

They have profound opening knowledge, possibly specializing in certain lines.

Tactically, they almost always spot and calculate accurately, with flaws here and there.

Positionally, they can convert advantages and understand intricate nuances, making them highly skilled players.

Is a 2300 ELO Good?

At 2300 ELO, a player is “Above-Average Expert.”

They have expertise in various opening lines, with deep preparation and understanding.

Their tactical awareness and calculation abilities are exceptional.

Positionally, they can navigate through complex positions and find optimal plans with ease.

Is a 2400 ELO Good?

A 2400 ELO is “Advanced Expert / Near Master Level.”

Players at this level have strong opening preparation, often introducing novelties and possessing a deep understanding of various lines.

Their tactical abilities are extremely sharp and accurate, with deep calculation skills.

Positionally, they have a superior understanding and can find resources even in challenging positions.

Is a 2500 ELO Good?

A 2500 ELO, especially in online platforms, is considered “Master Plus.”

These players have an advanced understanding and preparation in openings, often contributing to opening theory and are on par with grandmasters in terms of skill.

Their tactical abilities are precise with deep calculation, and their positional understanding is profound, allowing for deeply nuanced play.

While each ELO rating represents a general skill level, it’s essential to remember that these are broad categorizations.

Individual players might have specific strengths and weaknesses within these bands.

However, as the rating increases, it’s evident that the player’s understanding of the game, both tactically and positionally, becomes more refined and sophisticated.

Q&A – Is My ELO Good?

What is the Elo rating system in chess?

The Elo rating system is a method for calculating the relative skill levels of players in two-player games such as chess.

Named after its creator, Arpad Elo, the system uses mathematical formulas to determine a player’s rating based on their performance against other players.

The higher the rating, the stronger the player is considered to be.

When two players compete, the outcome of the match will either increase, decrease, or leave their ratings unchanged, depending on the result and the rating difference between them.

How do online chess platform ratings differ from FIDE ratings?

The exact skill level associated with a given Elo rating can vary somewhat between different online chess platforms due to differences in their player pools and rating systems.

Online ratings tend to be somewhat inflated compared to FIDE ratings.

This means that a player with a certain rating on an online platform might have a lower rating if they were to play in official FIDE-rated tournaments.

At what Elo rating is a player considered a complete beginner?

A player with an Elo rating between 200-300 is considered a complete beginner.

At this level, they have little to no knowledge of opening theory and are just learning to move the pieces.

They also struggle with basic tactics and have a limited understanding of piece development and king safety.

What skills are typically associated with a 500-600 Elo rating?

A player with a 500-600 Elo rating is considered an “Intermediate Novice.”

They have some knowledge of popular openings but often deviate early due to a lack of theoretical knowledge.

They can execute and defend against simple tactics and understand basic principles, although they may not consistently follow them in games.

How does the understanding of opening theory evolve as a player’s rating increases?

As a player’s rating increases, their understanding of opening theory deepens.

They transition from knowing just a few opening moves to understanding the ideas behind them.

As they progress further, they develop a repertoire of opening lines, understand the plans behind those openings, and can navigate through various opening lines effectively.

Advanced players have a deep and broad opening knowledge, often with a specialization in certain lines, and can even contribute to opening theory at the highest levels.

At what rating does a player typically start to understand complex tactical puzzles?

Players in the 1300-1400 Elo range, considered “Competent Intermediate,” begin to solve more complex tactical puzzles.

Their tactical vision sharpens as their rating increases, allowing them to spot and calculate tactics accurately and foresee opponent’s tactical threats.

How does a 2500 ELO online rating differ from a 2500 ELO FIDE rating?

A 2500 ELO online rating typically correlates to a master level, whereas a 2500 ELO FIDE rating corresponds to a grandmaster level.

This difference highlights the inflation of online ratings compared to official FIDE ratings.

What are the characteristics of a player with a 1900-2000 Elo rating?

A player with a 1900-2000 Elo rating is considered a “Lower-Level Expert.”

They can transition from the opening to the middle game smoothly, understanding key plans.

They rarely blunder and can foresee most tactical sequences. Additionally, they can create and execute plans based on positional features in the game.

How can a player’s strengths and weaknesses vary within the same rating band?

Players might have particular strengths and weaknesses that do not align perfectly with their rating.

For instance, a player might have exceptional tactical skills but a relatively weaker positional understanding, or vice versa.

Another player might excel in opening theory but struggle when it comes to calculating in middlegames.

Why might there be discrepancies between a player’s rating and their actual skill level in certain areas of the game?

These discrepancies arise because the Elo rating is a general measure of a player’s overall skill and performance but doesn’t capture specific strengths and weaknesses.

A player might have honed a particular aspect of their game, like tactics, while neglecting others, leading to disparities in their abilities despite having a consistent rating.

How does a player’s understanding of positional play change as they progress in ratings?

As players climb the rating ladder, their understanding of positional play deepens.

They transition from basic concepts like open files and weak squares to more advanced ideas like outposts, pawn breaks, and intricate positional nuances.

Higher-rated players can navigate complex positions, find optimal plans, and understand deeply nuanced positional play.

At what rating is a player considered to be at a master level or above?

A player with a rating above 2500 Elo, especially in online platforms, is considered to be at a master level or above.

However, it’s important to note that this would be different from a FIDE rating of 2500, which corresponds to a grandmaster level.

How do players typically transition from one rating level to the next?

The transition from one level to the next is often gradual.

Players slowly incorporate deeper understanding and broader knowledge into their games as they gain experience, study, and practice.

This involves refining their tactics, expanding their opening repertoire, and deepening their positional understanding.

Can a player have exceptional skills in one area, like tactics, but be weaker in another area, like positional understanding?

Yes, a player can have exceptional skills in one area and be weaker in another.

It’s not uncommon for players to have imbalances in their skills, where they might excel in tactics but struggle with positional play, or be well-versed in opening theory but find it challenging to navigate endgames.

How accurate are these generalizations about Elo ratings and associated skills?

While the descriptions provided offer a general framework for understanding the skills associated with different Elo ratings, they are generalizations.

There can be significant variability within each rating band, and players might have strengths and weaknesses that don’t align perfectly with these descriptions.

Why does tactical understanding tend to precede positional understanding?

Tactical understanding often precedes positional understanding because tactics are more concrete and immediate.

They involve direct threats and sequences that result in material gain or checkmate. Positional understanding, on the other hand, is more abstract and long-term, involving concepts like pawn structure, space, and piece activity.

As players gain experience, they start to see the deeper connections between tactics and position, leading to a more holistic understanding of the game.

Conclusion

Remember that these are generalizations and there can be significant variability within each rating band.