General Ratings Question

First, excuse me, if this question was already discussed at this forum.

Ratings are calculated when the game is finished and the score depends on the difference between the scores of the opponents. But is it the difference between current ratings at the end of game or starting ratings?

e.g. A and B start game with ratings 1500. During the game A increases his/her rating to 1600 and B decreases to 1400. If A wins the game his/her rating will be 1616 or less?

Thanks

It depends on the current ratings. (If one or both players have few played games, it will also have an influence.)

thx for answer.

imho it's not a good choice,

becouse it's always better for definite winner/loser to win/lose with an opponent with higher rating. If you know that your opponent has a serious chance to win some games and increase rating (it's simple to find out), you can freeze game. That's the way there is so much frozen games in last couple of moves (e.g in StreetSoccer in moves 50-51 or nearby). This tactics is really a SHOWSTOPPER for tournaments.

What is your opinion, it's not fair tactics, is it?

Yes, it is annoying when matches are dragged out like that. But I think it would also be unfair if a newcomer had been very active and changed his rating a lot (either way), and still was "judged" by his original rating in a long lasting match. No system is perfect, I guess. Personally I haven't found that deliberate stalling is common in the games I play.

Just finish your game! Does it matter whether you gain or lose 10 points or 15 points?

Using strategy regarding ratings and timing of wins/losses is interesting. It can work for you as well a s against you. Probably a wash in the end. If a player is playing by the rules then I cannot fault them. There is no move when I want you to rule. When we sign up to a game we implicitly accept the time limit established.

My question is, how come when I win against players of sinilar ratings, my rating does not change at all?

Games finished on the first move are not rated. Neither are games started in the waiting room. The reason for not rating 'friendly games is because it would be easy to manipulate rating by starting games against yourself...

Thanks Tore, I've since read the FAQ page which might help keep me from asking questions with readily available answers.

bump