Stardust:  It's an achievement.  A trophy.  I play for the fun of it but BKR is important to me.  Some games I don't play so well.  But where I am good (or decent) then the BKR is a testament to that ;)

Gr☺uch☺: Yes,I see what you're saying and I agree to a degree. It's just that some people cheat, lie or steal to be at the top of the chart. They aren't there because they are the best at their particular game. I guess it's finding a balance between playing for fun and playing for 'points'.
What has turned me off is the fact that a person's true rating isn't known because of the players who cheat the system.

Stardust:  I don't really pay that much attention to BKR but I am proud that I am rated what I am in both Chess and Backgammon games.  There are games I don't do well in and my BKR reflects that.  If I really stink at a game (like go) then I'm not inclined to play it.

I'm really just learning checkers strategies.  I think I had a won game the other day but blew the ending.  Losing is learning. ;)  Oh well, that's what I tell my chess students.

As for cheating (I'm not trying to keep up this dialogue, just a final perspective maybe) there will always be situations where that happens.  There are various ways to handle such things.  But as a moderator, I can say that once accusations of any kind hit the public boards, there is no choice but to moderate.  Even if there is truth in what is said, public boards are no place for those types of post.  ;) 

I do agree with you about a balance.  They are after all, just games.  But in finding a balance between playing for fun and playing for 'points, we always keep in mind that we run the race to win.  If I lose, I lose.  But I never like it.  Some say that it's not if you win or lose but how you play.  But I say playing to win (and in some cases playing NOT to lose such as in chess and going for a draw when your position is inferrior) is always what I seek. ;) 

Now I'm rambling  :)  Merry Christmas! 

Gr☺uch☺: Well said. I have seen the "cheating" accusations border on the ridiculous..people who have lost hundreds of games are accused of using a program. Some program! LOL. Anyway all such discussion should be directed to Fencer and this board should be reserved for the stated subjects.

Purple:  Agreed.  And there's always the global route, as Rod said.  As for checkers, I've decided to try to learn the game a bit.  I know the moves but know nothing about opening theory nor of endgame theory.  And I'm fuzzy on the middle stuff too! ;)  My kids at school (elementary) can beat me.  I think in time I can improve somewhat but I think I'll be rated to begin with near 1400 or maybe a bit less.  We shall see soon enough ;)

Gr☺uch☺: I agree. Ratings aren't important when compared to family, job security, or personal health, but it is fun to see your ratings jump after a tough win. I can't understand how anyone can enjoy cheating to win, but it happens. I don't think it happens often because cheaters get bored and move on.

david upshaw: I think you would be surprised at how much it does happen because there are people who have made cheating the actual game.