Really interesting data. One thing I’ve noticed in looking at a lot of ratings data is that the USCF adjusts people’s ratings VERY quickly when they prove they are underrated. I saw someone go from 528 to 1242 in two tournaments, and his results weren’t all that amazing (he didn’t play anyone over 1400).
So they are trying to help, by getting people like that out of the U1200 sections.
Yes, the USCF made an adjustment effective 1/1/25, lowering the bonus threshold constant. Players are definitely getting rewarded faster for strong results now, and at any rating level. At my club someone scored 3 out of 4 and gained nearly 200(!) points, going from mid 1500s to mid 1700s! Never would've happened before.
Great article!
Really interesting data. One thing I’ve noticed in looking at a lot of ratings data is that the USCF adjusts people’s ratings VERY quickly when they prove they are underrated. I saw someone go from 528 to 1242 in two tournaments, and his results weren’t all that amazing (he didn’t play anyone over 1400).
So they are trying to help, by getting people like that out of the U1200 sections.
Yes, the USCF made an adjustment effective 1/1/25, lowering the bonus threshold constant. Players are definitely getting rewarded faster for strong results now, and at any rating level. At my club someone scored 3 out of 4 and gained nearly 200(!) points, going from mid 1500s to mid 1700s! Never would've happened before.
Yes and that was the second time in two years. They had already lowered it recently in 2023.