playBunny: Yep, that sums it up. You seemed to have explained to me why I don't like this rating system when it's used for Backgammon. I didn't know the particulars of it, just that I don't like it and how it seems unfair to the higher rated players. I guess we'll just have to see how it goes for a few weeks. Your's and alanback's prediction for the lowering of the top people's ratings has come to pass. I too was lowered a little bit in Backgammon, but lost nearly 300 points off my Dark Chess rating! Dark Chess has a little bit of luck in it, but not the amount of Backgammon. I think this new or fixed rating system will be OK for Dark Chess, but it stinks for Backgammon. Fencer has Chess at heart and will get around to Backgammon when he has taken care of his other pressing affairs. Hopefully it is higher on his to do list than the laundry. :)