Question, is it easier to play good against:
a) stonger players
b) weaker opponents
Would expect that it is harder to play against stronger players, but I found out that it are often the lower rated opponents that create chaotic / erratic positions where I make blunders.
While against stronger opponents the game is usually more logical and I seem to make fewer mistakes.
What are your experiences?
@Spirit-of-VOS It's easier to play harder against stronger players.
Just checked via Chess Insights if I gain more rating points against weaker or stronger opponents and:
Rating gain against:
- weaker / similar / stronger opponents is quite similar.
- high gain against a much stronger opponent (but only 1 game, so statistically no use)
- loose points against much lower rated opponents!
Weaker players tend to do more mistakes and if you don't punish correctly the opponent's mistakes they become good moves.
I find that I play better chess against stronger opponents because they force me to think about my moves more.
*beginners luck* :P
lower rated players tend to put you in unfamiliar positions.
the catch is that these "unfamiliar positions" tend to be just much better for you, but if you can't find the right plans then you might just get a bad position.. at least that's what i feel.
If we're talking about rating, it should be on average the same (and it is for me), at least in a well written rating system. (which glicko can be considered as)
The whole point of such rating systems is so that your rating is consistent no matter what opponent strength you play.
I always make more blunders if the opponent makes more blunders.
It is normal to score more rating points against stronger opponents, especially at fast time control.
One reason is psychological: people tend to better focus and give their best against a stronger opponent and be less motivated against a weaker opponent.
Another reason is the randomness especially at fast time control. If you misclick, make a hasty move or run out of time against a lower rated opponent, you lose a lot of rating.
