If you’re new to competitive chess, one of the biggest questions is: Why is my Lichess rating different from my Chess.com or FIDE rating?
The answer is simple—each platform uses its own rating system. Understanding these ratings helps players set realistic goals and track their chess improvement more effectively.
Whether you’re a beginner, a parent, or a tournament player, here’s a clear guide from ChessKidsNation Asia.
What Is a Chess Rating?
A chess rating is a number that measures a player’s playing strength based on game results. As you win against stronger opponents, your rating increases. If you lose, it may decrease.
Ratings help match players with opponents of similar skill and are used in both online chess platforms and official FIDE tournaments.
Lichess Rating
Lichess uses the Glicko-2 rating system, which starts most players around 1500. Ratings tend to be higher than Chess.com because of the different calculation method.
Best for:
- Rapid improvement tracking.
- Free online chess practice.
- Blitz, Bullet, Rapid, and Classical games.
Chess.com Rating
Chess.com also uses a Glicko-based system, but ratings generally appear lower than Lichess for players of similar strength.
Best for:
- Daily games.
- Online tournaments.
- Puzzle ratings and training.
FIDE Rating
A FIDE rating is the official international rating awarded after playing rated over-the-board tournaments recognized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
Best for:
- Official chess tournaments.
- National and international rankings.
- Serious competitive players.
Rating Comparison (Approximate)
| Lichess | Chess.com | Approximate FIDE Strength |
|---|---|---|
| 1500 | 700–800 | Beginner |
| 1700 | 1000–1100 | Developing player |
| 1900 | 1300–1450 | Intermediate tournament player |
| 2100 | 1600–1750 | Strong club player |
| 2300+ | 1900–2100 | Advanced competitive player |
These ranges are approximate and vary by player and time control.
Which Chess Rating Matters Most?
It depends on your goal:
- Learning chess: Lichess is excellent for free practice and analysis.
- Online competition: Chess.com is popular for global online events.
- Professional chess: FIDE rating is the internationally recognized benchmark.
The most important metric is consistent improvement, not comparing ratings across platforms.
How Kids Can Improve Their Chess Rating
At ChessKidsNation Asia, we encourage students to focus on skills before ratings.
Tips to improve faster:
- Solve tactical puzzles every day.
- Analyze every game after playing.
- Learn one opening with White and one with Black.
- Practice basic endgames regularly.
- Play longer Rapid games instead of only Bullet.
Small daily improvements often lead to significant rating growth over time.
Final Thoughts
Lichess, Chess.com, and FIDE ratings all measure chess strength—but in different ways. Don’t worry if the numbers don’t match. Focus on learning, practicing consistently, and playing strong opponents.
A stronger understanding of the game will naturally lead to a higher chess rating, whether online or in official FIDE tournaments.
