Chess ratings are one of the tournament organizer's most valuable tools.
Ratings appeal in the best way to a young player's competitive spirit.
Ratings are a numerical means of comparing the relative strengths of chessplayers. The more games a player wins, the more rating points he or she gains. More points are received for defeating a strong player than are given for defeating a weak player. Ratings are calculated using a precise mathematical formula . Sending in results often keeps kids enthusiasm up.