Can you help me understand the point system?

What I mean is, what gives you the most points? 

A resignation? Or a mate? What about a draw? After I win or lose a game, the thing flashes up so fast and then is gone that I haven't been able to really figure that out.

Thanks

                    You get 1 point for any kind of win. 0 point for a loss, and half a point for a draw.

Rating changes are only based on the outcome of the game. Checkmate, winning on time, winning by resignation, etc. all give the same amount of points.

I think he means rating.  The changes are based on your rating and your opponents.  The thread explaining the ratings system is at the top of this forum.

Yes I meant rating during 'live chess.' So Checkmate, resignation, or a win based on time give the same amount of points.....but those points may vary based on the opponets rating?

So, if I played a 700 player and won by whatever matter, I might get 10pts as an example. But If I played an 800 player and won by whatever matter I might get 15 points. In other words the points are the same no matter how the win, but the actual amount of points is based on the competitions rating. Do I have it right? Thanks guys

Yours and the competition.  Barring your RD being high, the closer you are in rating, the less points you'll gain/lose.

A win is a win, no matter how you get it. I think if the game is shorter than 4 moves there is no change.

Here you go mate, a link to all the previous threads on the Glicko RD.  Your points swing up and down like a gymnast on a trampoline when you first start and after 50 or a 100 games it's more like napping in a hammock.

http://www.chess.com/forum/search?keyword=Glicko+RD

No. There is no "point" to the point system.