The problem with setting computers at a weak setting is that they don't play like a weak human. I have a 2600 rated Shredder app on my phone. If I set it to 1600 and play it, it makes strong moves no 1600 human would find and then every fourth or fifth move makes a weak move a human would not make.
Are computer chess ratings reliable?
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I played against chess.com's computer on the new version. (Scroll down to the bottom and switch to new chess.com). I played it at level 7, I don't know its rating though. I just thought it played well. I don't remember it making odd moves. But yes, I agree with mike, when playing against a computer on a weak setting it just makes silly moves once in a while.
Feb 24, 2015
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#4
romancitoG wrote:
...So in theory if a user sets the engine to play like a 1500 rated player that's what it's supposed to do. Are these apps reliable in this way?
Usually not. If you set an app at 1500 elo, it might play at 1100 elo...or 1800 elo...or anywhere in-between. Caveat emptor. 
I have installed a chess app called chess free on my notepad. The user can set the engine strength by clicking on a menu that lists different elo ratings. So in theory if a user sets the engine to play like a 1500 rated player that's what it's supposed to do. Are these apps reliable in this way?