Start here · Essential guide
Chess Ratings Explained
Learn what a chess rating is, how Elo and Glicko work, what 300, 800, 1000 and 1200 mean, and why FIDE, USCF and online ratings differ.
Ratings & Players
Ratings & Players
5 guides, starting with Chess Ratings Explained.
IQ of Chess Players: Are Chess Players Smarter?
Do chess players have a high IQ? See what research suggests, why viral grandmaster IQ lists are unreliable, and why Elo cannot be converted into IQ.
Is Chess or Checkers Harder? Comparing the Two Games
Is chess harder than checkers? Compare rules, piece counts, game complexity, solved status and computer play to see which game is tougher to learn and master.
Lichess to Chess.com Rating Converter: Compare Your Ratings
Estimate how your Lichess rating compares to Chess.com and FIDE. Learn why Lichess numbers run higher and how to build a realistic conversion yourself.
What Chess Pieces Represent
What do the chess pieces represent? Explore the origins of each piece, common symbolic meanings, and whether the Bible or spirituality says anything about chess.