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PDubya

After 5440 games of 1 minute Bullet I've found there is little way to tell if an individual rated between say 1150-1350 is actually any good or not. 
Sometimes a 1150 player will play amazingly well, and fast, and win. Based on their rating I would say they are underrated, so it's not worth the risk to my rating from a statistical point of view to play them again, whatever their rating might be in the future. Conversely, I've played 1400s who I have beaten easily. They probably do what I do and play lower ranked players. If I were them I'd block me too.

I think people are getting emotional about the blocking. It's actually a compliment. I also fully intend to unblock everyone once I reach 1500, repent, and start practising and learning properly. I just want to see if I can do this for now. Also, I don't want to just play 1100 players and below. I want to actually have fun while I'm doing this. 

I_Am_Second
PDubya wrote:

As a rule I will block an opponent who beats me twice, and is lower rated than me. The simple reason for this is they are clearly not worth the risk to my rating, and blocking them eliminates this threat. Conversely, when I beat someone who is rated higher I will immediately add them as a friend and try and play them as often as possible.

Since implementing this practice, my rating has risen around 150 points. Does anyone else have a system they use to twerk the ratings system? 

Also, is this unethical and against the spirit of online chess? Personally, I think the lower rated players who beat me are underated, and it's not a good idea to play them, especially as Black.

The only thing your learning from chess, is to play the rating, and not the board.  You will also never get over the fear (yes, thats what it is) of playing lower rated players.  I hope you dont play OTB tournaments, you wont have a good time.

PDubya

I suppose I could just pray to Jesus, and he will bless me with the ability to move better. Thanks for coming, Second.

I_Am_Second
PDubya wrote:

I suppose I could just pray to Jesus, and he will bless me with the ability to move better. Thanks for coming, Second.

Prayer would be a good thing.

PDubya

Amen!

Errorer

wen u defeat somone who is rated higher u too r to be blocked soon.....

TIT for TAt......

MeTristan

This is going to work OTB... Not!

This is ridiculous...

But to each his own, I suppose.

blitzjoker

Has anyone considered the OP may be just having a bit of a laugh?

The rating system is designed to give fair reward for beating/losing to other rated players.  The idea that Carlsen could get to 3000 by playing 2000 rated players is non-sense.  Once in a while he would draw or even lose a game and his rating would plummet.  Even Carlsen makes mistakes, and his rating gain for a win against a 2000 player would be negligible.

WISH_I_WAS_A_GM

PDubya, as a dear friend and a relatively high bullet player(1800+) I think this strategy is unethical.

You should not follow the rating. Make the rating follow you. Block me if you wish if I "don't get what the post is about".

batgirl

Sounds like a block-head.

RG1951

        If it's that important to you, set your rating window when you issue a "seek" so that you don't play anybody significantly below you.

PDubya

After considering the responses to this thread, and further play I've decided that my methodology is indeed flawed, and counter productive to enjoying this site, and improving my chess. 
I am therefore going to unblock everyone I've ever blocked and play allcomers within 100 ratings points above and below. This includes accepting any rematch as black! 

JamieDelarosa

That is the sporting spirit!!