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British Chess Federation

Why we need a BCF Grading/Rating System

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has stated an intention to extend the FIDE rating system from its current level to encompass virtually all standards of player. It has been suggested that the BCF should scrap its Grading system completely and get FIDE to do the ratings for us. In fact, this is not a practical proposition at present as less than 5% of players with BCF Grades have FIDE ratings and it will be a number of years, if ever, before FIDE achieves the universal coverage provided by the BCF Grading system. However, we could, in principle use the Elo methodology for calculating Grades as a number of players seem to want. However, as described below, this may not be the best thing to do.

Why we should keep the BCF Grading Methodology

The fundamental point about the BCF Grading methodology is that it is just as soundly based as the Elo methodology and was tailored to the BCF's needs. These were and remain:

1. Universal coverage at all levels of play.

2. It can be run using a wide source of volunteer local Graders.

3. It is suitable for calculating Grades periodically, e.g. on a yearly or half-yearly basis rather than after each event. Thus it is tailored to league as opposed to congress chess.

On the other hand, the Elo system was originally intended to provide:

1. The capability to update the rating after each event.

2. Coverage only for elite players although since its introduction it has been adapted by Federations to provide a national rating system.

It seems to me that the sole benefit from changing to an Elo methodology is that of producing a Grade that is more obviously convertible to a FIDE rating. At present, this benefit does not justify the disruption that would be involved.