Chess Rating Test
Curious about your chess level? This test presents 20 puzzles of increasing difficulty, from beginner to advanced. Solve each position by finding the best move. Your estimated rating is calculated based on which puzzles you solve correctly and how difficult they were.
Professor Archer says: This test gives you a reasonable estimate, but please do not take the number too seriously. Your actual playing strength depends on many factors this test cannot measure - time management, opening knowledge, endgame technique, and psychological resilience under pressure. Use it as a starting point, not a verdict.
Features
- 20 puzzles from 600 to 2200 difficulty
- Interactive board - make your move to answer
- Estimated Elo rating based on performance
- Category breakdown: tactics, endgame, strategy
- Personalised improvement recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this chess rating test?
Puzzle-based rating estimates are typically accurate to within 100-200 Elo points of your online rapid rating. However, actual playing strength involves factors that puzzles cannot test - time management, opening preparation, and psychological endurance. Treat this as a helpful approximation, not a definitive measure.
What rating scale does this test use?
The test uses the standard Elo scale. Ratings below 800 are beginner, 800-1200 is intermediate beginner, 1200-1600 is intermediate, 1600-2000 is advanced, and above 2000 is expert level. These roughly correspond to online rapid ratings on platforms like Chess.com and Lichess.
Can I retake the test to track improvement?
Yes. The puzzles are drawn from a large pool, so you will get a mix of familiar and new positions each time. Retaking the test every few weeks is a reasonable way to track whether your tactical ability is improving.