Exactly how 'relative' are chess ratings?

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zembrianator

Oct 25, 2019

For example, if everyone that played chess could play as well as Magnus Carlsen, does that mean every player would have some 2800+ rating? Or does it mean that nobody would ever break 2000, including Magnus?

Also, does FIDE have an initial starting rating? If no, then how was the first 'rating' determined? Because from what I can gather, unrated players get assigned a rating based on play against a rated player?

zembrianator

Oct 25, 2019

Mursheen-Durkin wrote:

so refreshing! rarely do we see somebody put some thought into their posts.

thanks!