If you play chess online, you might have tried popular platforms like Chess.com and Lichess. Both are amazing for improving your skills, finding opponents, and enjoying the game. But if you’ve played on both, you’ve probably noticed something interesting: your Chess.com and Lichess ratings are not the same. They can be quite different!
Many players wonder why this happens. Is one platform harder than the other? Does one rating mean you’re a better player than the other? In this article, we’ll break it all down in simple terms so you can understand how these ratings work and what they say about your chess skills. for other players’ opinions check chess.com/forum.
What Is a Chess Rating?
Before diving into the comparison, let’s quickly explain a chess rating. A chess rating is a number that represents your skill level. The higher the number, the stronger you are as a player. When you win games, your rating goes up. When you lose, it goes down.
Both Chess.com and Lichess use an Elo rating system named after the mathematician Arpad Elo. The basic idea is simple:
- If you beat someone with a higher rating than yours, your rating increases more.
- If you lose to someone with a lower rating, your rating drops more.
Why Are Chess.com and Lichess Ratings Different?
Even though both platforms use the Elo system, their ratings are different for several reasons. Here are the main ones:
1. Different Rating Pools
Each platform has its community of players. Chess.com has millions of users, and so does Lichess. However, the average skill level of players on each platform is different. For example:
- Chess.com tends to have a higher number of beginner and casual players.
- Lichess often attracts more serious or experienced players, especially in the rapid and blitz categories.
This difference affects how ratings are distributed. For example, a 1200 rating on Lichess might be stronger than a 1200 rating on Chess.com because the pool of players is different.
2. Different Starting Ratings
When you first create an account, each platform gives you a starting rating:
- Chess.com: Typically starts players at 1200 for most time controls.
- Lichess: Starts players at 1500 for all-time controls.
This means that your Lichess rating will often appear higher right from the beginning.
3. Different Rating Algorithms
While both platforms use the Elo system, they tweak it differently:
- Chess.com adjusts ratings based on factors like game results, time controls, and opponent ratings.
- Lichess uses a modified system called Glicko-2. This system not only tracks your rating but also your “rating deviation” (RD), which shows how confident the system is about your rating. This can make ratings move up or down faster, especially when you’re new or inactive.
4. Performance Differences in Time Controls
Your rating can vary depending on the time control you play (e.g., bullet, blitz, rapid, or classical). Some players perform better in faster games, while others excel in slower, more thoughtful games. Since Chess.com and Lichess handle time controls slightly differently, this can affect your rating too.
How Do Ratings Compare Between the Platforms?
It’s hard to give an exact comparison because it depends on the player. However, here are some general trends that many players have observed:
- Bullet and Blitz Ratings:
- Lichess ratings are often about 200–300 points higher than Chess.com ratings.
- For example, if your Chess.com blitz rating is 1400, your Lichess blitz rating might be around 1600–1700.
- Rapid Ratings:
- The difference is usually smaller for rapid games, around 150–200 points.
- If you’re 1500 on Chess.com, you might be 1650–1700 on Lichess.
- Classical Ratings:
- Classical ratings tend to be closer across the two platforms, with a difference of about 100–150 points.
- Title Players:
- High-rated players (titled players like Grandmasters or International Masters) often find their ratings more consistent across both platforms. The gap tends to shrink at higher levels.
What Does This Mean for You?
It’s important to remember that your rating is just a number. It’s a way to measure your progress and find opponents of a similar skill level. The actual difference between Chess.com and Lichess ratings doesn’t matter much as long as you’re improving and enjoying the game.
Here are some tips to focus on what matters:
- Track your progress: Instead of worrying about the difference between platforms, see how your rating changes over time on each platform. Are you improving month by month? That’s what counts!
- Play where you enjoy: Some players prefer the interface or features of one platform over the other. Play on the platform that feels better for you.
- Don’t compare too much: Everyone’s ratings are different, and the comparison can vary widely depending on the person.
FAQs
1. Why is my Lichess rating so much higher than my Chess.com rating?
This happens because Lichess starts players at a higher rating (1500 vs. 1200) and has different player pools and algorithms. It doesn’t mean you’re stronger or weaker; it’s just how the systems work.
2. Can I use my Chess.com rating to estimate my Lichess rating?
You can roughly estimate it, but the difference depends on the time control and your skill level. A common rule of thumb is to add 200–300 points to your Chess.com rating to get your Lichess rating.
3. Which platform has better players?
Both platforms have strong players, but Lichess tends to attract more experienced players at the middle and high levels. Chess.com has more casual players, especially at the beginner level.
4. Are ratings accurate on both platforms?
Yes, both platforms provide accurate ratings within their own systems. They’re just different because of the reasons explained above.
5. How do I improve my rating on both platforms?
The key to improving your rating is the same on both platforms:
- Study openings, tactics, and endgames.
- Analyze your games to find mistakes.
- Practice regularly and play against stronger opponents.
Popular Questions on Quora About Chess.com vs. Lichess Ratings
Here are some questions related to this topic that people often ask on Quora:
- “Why is my Lichess rating higher than my Chess.com rating?”
- “How accurate are Chess.com and Lichess ratings?”
- “Which platform is better for improving chess skills: Chess.com or Lichess?”
- “What’s the average rating on Chess.com compared to Lichess?”
- “Should I play on Chess.com or Lichess if I want to reach 2000 Elo?”
1. Why is my Lichess rating higher than my Chess.com rating?
Your Lichess rating is likely higher than your Chess.com rating for a few reasons:
- Starting Ratings: Lichess starts players at 1500 Elo, whereas Chess.com begins at 1200. This initial difference naturally makes your Lichess rating appear higher.
- Player Pools: The average skill level of players on Lichess is slightly different from Chess.com. Many casual or beginner players tend to start on Chess.com, while Lichess attracts more experienced players in certain time controls.
- Rating Algorithms: Chess.com and Lichess use different variations of the Elo rating system. Lichess uses Glicko-2, which adjusts your rating more rapidly when you’re new or inconsistent, potentially leading to larger changes compared to Chess.com.
- Inflation: Lichess ratings tend to be slightly more inflated, particularly in bullet and blitz formats.
2. How accurate are Chess.com and Lichess ratings?
Both Chess.com and Lichess ratings are accurate within their systems because they are designed to match you with players of similar skill. However:
- Accuracy depends on how many games you’ve played. If you’re new to either platform, your rating might fluctuate a lot and feel less reliable.
- Since both platforms have different player pools and rating scales, comparing ratings directly between them can be misleading.
- For measuring your true skill, both platforms are accurate but only within their ecosystems. Your rating reflects how well you perform against the players on that specific platform, not universally.
3. Which platform is better for improving chess skills: Chess.com or Lichess?
Both Chess.com and Lichess are excellent platforms for improving chess skills, but they have unique strengths:
Chess.com
- Pros: Offers extensive tools like lessons, puzzles, game analysis, and videos. The community and forums are large, with more casual players.
- Cons: Some features, like advanced lessons or tools, are behind a paywall.
Lichess
- Pros: 100% free with features like unlimited puzzles, analysis, and studies. Its minimalist interface is great for focus.
- Cons: It has fewer structured lessons and videos compared to Chess.com.
Verdict:
- If you prefer structured learning and don’t mind paying for premium tools, Chess.com might suit you better.
- If you want a free and open platform with a focus on improving through games and analysis, Lichess is a great choice.
Ultimately, improvement depends more on consistent practice and using the resources available.
4. What’s the average rating on Chess.com compared to Lichess?
The average rating differs because of the platforms’ systems and player pools:
- Chess.com: The average rating for most time controls (like blitz or rapid) is around 800–1000 Elo, reflecting a large number of casual or beginner players.
- Lichess: The average rating is around 1500 Elo, due to the higher starting rating and slightly stronger player base.
Key Difference: Lichess ratings are generally about 200–300 points higher than Chess.com ratings for most players. For example, if you are 1200 on Chess.com, you might be around 1400–1500 on Lichess.
5. Should I play on Chess.com or Lichess if I want to reach 2000 Elo?
Both platforms can help you reach a 2000 Elo rating, but the experience will differ:
Play on Chess.com if:
- You enjoy structured tools like lessons, tutorials, and puzzles to improve systematically.
- You want access to a larger pool of casual and serious players at different rating levels.
Play on Lichess if:
- You prefer a free and distraction-free environment.
- You value unlimited analysis tools, puzzles, and the ability to create your training studies.
Important Note:
Reaching 2000 Elo is more about consistent improvement than the platform itself. Both platforms offer the resources you need. To achieve 2000 Elo:
- Focus on studying openings, tactics, and endgames.
- Analyze your games, learn from your mistakes, and play regularly.
- Choose the platform you enjoy most, as that will keep you motivated to play and learn.
Conclusion
Your Chess.com and Lichess ratings may not match, but that’s perfectly normal. Each platform has its system, community, and quirks. The most important thing is to enjoy the game, learn from your mistakes, and keep improving. Ratings are just numbers—they don’t define your love for chess or your potential to grow as a player. So, pick your favorite platform, start playing, and have fun!
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