Annual Report Card

[RonTheWhip]

Hey all,

I feel like an honest appraisal of ones game is helpful in the improvement process. I like to grade myself in the following categories and see where my strengths and weaknesses lie. I invite you all to grade yourselfs as well.

Driving: A
Distance - A+
Accuracy - B
Versatility - A
Consistency - B

Midrange: B
Versatility - B
Scramble - A
Approach - A
Consistency - B

Putting: B
Inside - B-
Outside - B+
Consistency - B-
Comebacks - B

Mental Game: B
Short Par 3: B
Long Par 3: A
Par 4 and Higher: B+


Overall Grade: B+

My strength certainly lies with my driving. My off the tee game is as solid as anyone's, if not a bit inconsistent. I scramble out of trouble well, but putting has always been my greatest deficiency. No wonder that in my highest rated rounds, I made most my putts from inside and outside the circle. Mentally I rely too much on good conditions to play my best game, when things aren't how I like them to be, i tend to let it affect me too much. Having strong Backhand and forehand is key.

[General Scales]

I have never thought about assessing my game as if it were a report card. Lets see how I do.

Driving: B+
Distance: A
Accuracy: B
Versatility: B+
Consistency: B+

Midrange: B
Versatility: B-
Scramble: B
Approach: A
Consistency: B

Putting: B-
Inside: B+
Outside: C+
Consistency: B-
Comebacks: B

Mental Game: B+
Short Par 3: A
Long Par 3: B
Par 4 and Higher: B

Overall: B

My putting, like last year (and the year before) is what kills me. I once heard a saying "Good putters are made through dedication. Great putters are born that way." I will never be a great putter. Right now I'm not even a good putter. I'm an okay putter with moments of brilliance. The thing that has really helped me is my mental game. Last year I would've given myself a C on my mental game. I would get distracted by other peoples throws. I would try to play their game or follow their lines. I would get frustrated and disgusted with myself for the tiniest of errors. I would throw my discs at my bag like it was their fault. I spent a lot of time last year working on these aspects. Instead of cursing and becoming infuriated, I know just smile, clap my hands and continue forth. I figured that if instead of getting mad, I can just have a smile on my face. That smile brought me my best rounds of the year at every course I played (2 under at Downriver, 6 under at Highbridge, 11 under at Corbin, 3 under at Faragut Wreckreator, 4 under at Faragut Northstar and finally par at Faragut Double Black Diamond)

Next year, aiming for A's overall!

[LJ Jubner]

When you say
Hey all,
I feel like an honest appraisal of ones game is helpful in the improvement process. I like to grade myself in the following categories and see where my strengths and weaknesses lie. I invite you all to grade yourselves as well.

You are taking into consideration age and physical condition, Right? Having realistic goals is predicated on your abilities. I will never be able to drive as far as Dion or weight 175 ( I figured out long ago that I would never throw it 325+ feet so I had better be able to throw it really close from 250) The accuracy stats do translate from level to level

An interesting question
When you stand on the tee; do you only think about parking it or do you think about managing the hole.

Tee= middle of the fairway and or avoid places that add to your score.
Pressure 3-5

Up= Someplace I can putt from. the better the throw = less pressure on the putt
Pressure 2 (close)-5 (outside my range)

Putt= The more confidence I have from greater distances = less pressure
Pressure 2 (close)-5 (outside my range)

Bottom line improve your putting by increasing your distance and accuracy and your scores will drop

...Mentally I rely too much on good conditions to play my best game, when things aren't how I like them to be, i tend to let it affect me too much.

So Dion you are human after all. It's comforting to know that a player whos rating is 150 points higher then mine struggles with (or at least times) parts of this game that I do

Confidence is key! So, I propose a rethink of the process. Think of it backwards How do I leave myself the easiest or least pressured putt possible.

[DexterHawk]

I'll take the bait... but you set the bar high. If the way you've been playing earns you a B+, I'm not sure that I am going to like what I see when I evaluate my own game.

Driving: B
Distance - B+
Accuracy - B
Versatility - A
Consistency - B

Midrange: B-
Versatility - B
Scramble - A
Approach - B
Consistency - B

Putting: B+
Inside - B
Outside - B+
Consistency - B
Comebacks - A

Mental Game: B
Short Par 3: B
Long Par 3: A
Par 4 and Higher: B


Overall Grade: B

I would say the strength of my game off the tee has really been versatility. I have a strong forehand and have really improved my ability to shape backhand drives this year, with both drivers and midrange discs. A lot of other players have admired my putting stroke, but I still strugle with confidence and consistency. I have really felt a big weakness in my upshots lately and have started working on my short game again. Mentally I really was on a roller coaster last year. In far too many tournaments last year I allowed sloppy play to take me out of contention despite shooting some of the hottest rounds on the course. I'll take the high highs but the low lows seem to point to some more work to be done. I have been trying to break the 1000 rated mark for a couple years now, but I still haven't found the magic pill.

PS Dion I think it is very admirable that a player of your caliber and success is so quick to be self critical and hungry to improve. Our sport won't take it's next step forward professionally / athleatically / artistically without good players working to get great.

[Uhlman]

What are the criteria for your grades... putting is pretty straight forward (the percentage you make).

[runnaman]

I'm assuming this is with perspective to our own individual skill:

Driving: B
Distance - A
Accuracy - B
Versatility - B+
Consistency - C

Midrange: B+
Versatility - B
Scramble - B
Approach - C
Consistency - B

Putting: B-
Inside - B
Outside - B+
Consistency - B
Comebacks - B

Mental Game: C
Short Par 3: A
Long Par 3: A-
Par 4 and Higher: B


Overall Grade: B

I definitely have to work on my mental game and my putting. As soon as my mental game starts going down, my whole round goes down.

I'm pretty confident with my midranges though (Buzzz) and that helps a lot. That and distance.

[Jeremy Frieling]

I'm assuming this is with perspective to our own individual skill:

Driving: B+
Distance - A- (380+)
Accuracy - B+
Versatility - B+ (a more consistent forehand has been a big help)
Consistency - B (have a tendency to over think a drive that I should be able to hit w/ eyes closed)

Midrange: B+
Versatility - B+ (forehand flicks, thumbers, and tomahawks)
Scramble - B
Approach - A- (can make a run for it from <100 with confidence)
Consistency - B+

Putting: B+
Inside - B+
Outside - B (jump putts from 35+ are falling with greater frequency)
Consistency - B+ (mental confidence is getting much better)
Comebacks - A- (more confident with running it from 40-60 & being left with a 15-20ft comeback)

Mental Game: B
Short Par 3: A (if its w/in 280... should be a 2 w/o question)
Long Par 3: B- (have great drives but place to much mental stress on the 2nd shot)
Par 4 and Higher: n/a ( there are no recognized par 4s in my neck of the woods... in my opinion there should be... Riverside 2, Geezer way @ Lakewood, and Seatac 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18)


Overall Grade: B+ (PDGA rating of 955 as of 1/25/11)

At this point I feel that mental game is my biggest hurdle. I have improved a great deal over the last season. I have found I have been able to come back from a boogie to a birdie on the next hole with greater ease and more relaxation. I too, like Dion, depend on hospitable conditions to play well. Don't like the rain... grip issues with hands and tee boxes and hate (HATE) putting with any kind of wind. But with time and practice... the sky in the limit. My goal is 980 by 2012.

[RonTheWhip]

I'm assuming this is with perspective to our own individual skill:


Y'all can do this anyway you want to, I was trying to compare myself to the top level however. Try to look at the bigger picture every now and then to see where you really are. If I ever found myself tempted to award my game an A, I would stop and think, "hmm, if Nikko is the best player in the game today, and his putting is worthy of an A, then I certainly don't deserve an A."

I consider myself a third tier player. Currently ranked 53rd in the world, but placing in the top 50 in both points and cash on the 2010 season. Top tier of players includes: Dave, Nikko, Uli, Doss, McCabe and those other 1030 players. These are the guys winning NTs and Majors, and doing it regularly. Second tier of players includes: Sexton, Koling, McBeth, Crabtree, and the rest of the 1020 crew. These guys kill the local scene, place well and occasionally even win the big events. I'm in the next group - win a lot of local events, even get some A tier wins (although I haven't yet), place in the cash at big events.

Most of the players in the NW haven't been exposed to the level of play that the top guys perform consistently. They are good, insanely good.

I allowed myself a few A's based on what I've seen the top players do. As far as distance goes, I earned the right to award myself an A+, after winning the 2010 World Distance title (against folks like Avery, Garret, Koling, Bratten, Jarvis bros and Hemmings). My versatility with having both a backhand and forehand drive makes me a strong threat on any hole, and my ability to get out of troubled situations is right up there as well. I'm just an "average" pro putter, who makes slightly more outside putts then would be expected in a any given round. I'm a very streaky putter, sometimes I'm an A all day, sometimes I'm a C from everywhere and back again.

Dave, Nikko, Uli, and McCabe are A putters every single round...so sick to watch them make everything...

Its fun to compare yourselves to the best in the game. Sometimes a bit disheartening, but hopefully inspirational. For those ams who have posted or yet to post, try and give yourself a score for your own peer group, and a general score as well.


Have fun with it, and try to improve, thats the whole point of this anyway :)

D

[Parks]

F.

[LJ Jubner]

Thanks Dion

Yes, most certainly you should compare yourself to the National elite and being considered one of the Regional elite makes you a benchmark for the locals.

At some point each of us needs to define our goals vs our expectations. You should measure yourself to the competition in your particular division. For me it just about everybody From
Paul Wright, Sandy, Bob Brown, Jordy, Treeman and Even Ol Don Richter are all good benchmarks for me to strive towards. Now if I could just beat the Chef

[Chuck Kennedy]

I'm thinking an absolute scale for overall grades for competitive tournament players who play at least 6-7 sanctioned events a year might look like this:

Diamond 1040+
Gold Star 1035-1039
Silver Star 1030-1034
Bronze Star 1025-1029
A+ 1008-1024
A. 992-1007
A- 975-991
B+ 958-974
B. 942-957
B- 925-941
C+ 908-924
C. 892-907
C- 875-891
D+ 858-874
D. 842-857
D- 825-841

For women, add 100 points to your rating and use the men's scale. For men and women over 39, add 10 points to your rating for every 5 years over age 40 and use the above scale. So I'm turning 58 next month with a 922 rating so my equivalent would be 962 in the B+ range.

BTW, the 10 point loss in rating for every 5 years past age 40 is a real statistic from ratings data gathered over 10 years.

[General Scales]

I'm thinking an absolute scale for overall grades for competitive tournament players who play at least 6-7 sanctioned events a year might look like this:

Diamond 1040+
Gold Star 1035-1039
Silver Star 1030-1034
Bronze Star 1025-1029
A+ 1008-1024
A. 992-1007
A- 975-991
B+ 958-974
B. 942-957
B- 925-941
C+ 908-924
C. 892-907
C- 875-891
D+ 858-874
D. 842-857
D- 825-841

For women, add 100 points to your rating and use the men's scale. For men and women over 39, add 10 points to your rating for every 5 years over age 40 and use the above scale. So I'm turning 58 next month with a 922 rating so my equivalent would be 962 in the B+ range.

BTW, the 10 point loss in rating for every 5 years past age 40 is a real statistic from ratings data gathered over 10 years.


Well, if I went by this scale (considering I am not a PDGA member yet). My overall rating would be a B+. I compiled all my statistics from my past 6 tournaments this last year and I would have a rating of 963! Pretty good considering that I melt down in tournaments. That damn mental game thing again.

[JMan]

I love it when students grade themselves...oh, did ya hear...they took objectivity out of the American lexicon...really

Parks...I love you man...

[General Scales]

F.

:shocked::laughing: Well played

[BigBubbBelly]

Driving: B
Distance - B-
Accuracy - B+
Versatility - C+
Consistency - A-

Midrange: B+
Versatility - A-
Scramble - B
Approach - B+
Consistency - B-

Putting: B+
Inside - B+
Outside - C
Consistency - B+
Comebacks - B

Mental Game: B+
Short Par 3 - A
Long Par 3 - B
Par 4 and higher - C

Overall grade: B+

This is based on my skill levels compared to the skill levels of players I consider to be in "my level" of play. I try to play with people who's game is better than mine. It helps to push me and tends to make me play better. (Mainly because I am trying to keep up with my friends) Overall my game has improved over the last year. My putting has been getting better the last year as is my overall driving skill. I am getting more distance off of the tee pad and learning when to put it in the fairway as opposed to trying to crush it on every throw. If I can get two good throws, I leave myself with a makeable putt.

[Cold Steel]

Driving: C
Distance - c-
Accuracy - c+
Versatility - d+
Consistency - b-

Midrange: C+
Versatility - b-
Scramble - c
Approach - c+
Consistency - c

Putting: c+
Inside - c-
Outside - C+
Consistency - d+
Comebacks - c

Mental Game: c
Short Par 3 - c
Long Par 3 - c
Par 4 and higher - C+

Overall grade: D

I was a B- player that started hanging out with the wrong crowd (work) and am now happy to just get to play. I'm thinking I'll circle the wagons for the next couple of months, and be putting in the back yard. Like most people, I can drop the most strokes within 50' of the basket.

[Jim J]

BTW, the 10 point loss in rating for every 5 years past age 40 is a real statistic from ratings data gathered over 10 years.

As someone who's playing the "age as slow as you can" game, I wonder about the sources of this 10 point loss every five years.

Clearly some of it must be related to changing body mechanics. But you can't overlook the effect of the continual improvement in the 'average' tournament player's skills.

If you're competing in a tourney today with the same skill levels you had fifteen years ago, you are definitely slipping down the ratings chart. You've got to improve just to keep pace with the overall improvement of the sport.

So this year's A is next year's B unless you're keeping up with the sport's evolution. This goes for everyone, not just crusties.

BTW, I'll take the 15-20 point rating boost that Chuck's offering!

[Mikk]

I got game but when it comes to putting i get a major FAIL!! Man I need a clinic or instructor or just get my head outa my.........

[Chuck Kennedy]

Clearly some of it must be related to changing body mechanics. But you can't overlook the effect of the continual improvement in the 'average' tournament player's skills.
Here's a technical reason for the decline after age 40 - reduction in the myelin sheath that insulates your nerves. They feel this may be the most important issue in why people perform worse as they get older: http://www.science20.com/news_releases/myelin_and_middle_age_brainwise_we_all_start_slowi ng_down_at_40

I notice I am throwing farther than ever due to new disc technology and perhaps slight technique improvement. But I have more random flailings where in explicably, the shot yanks in an unintended direction. I think what happens is your circuitry can't maintain the same consistency and repetition as when you are younger, even though you feel like everything is still working the same. Those random misfires ever so slightly increase year by year. There's a suggested diet for boosting your ability to retain/replace myelin that I found here: http://www.livestrong.com/article/228947-how-to-repair-myelin-sheath-with-diet

[Jim J]

Here's a technical reason for the decline after age 40 - reduction in the myelin sheath that insulates your nerves. They feel this may be the most important issue in why people perform worse as they get older: http://www.science20.com/news_releases/myelin_and_middle_age_brainwise_we_all_start_slowi ng_down_at_40

I notice I am throwing farther than ever due to new disc technology and perhaps slight technique improvement. But I have more random flailings where in explicably, the shot yanks in an unintended direction. I think what happens is your circuitry can't maintain the same consistency and repetition as when you are younger, even though you feel like everything is still working the same. Those random misfires ever so slightly increase year by year. There's a suggested diet for boosting your ability to retain/replace myelin that I found here: http://www.livestrong.com/article/228947-how-to-repair-myelin-sheath-with-diet

Good articles.

You'd also have to factor in loses in muscle mass, flexibility and cardio-vascular capacity, all of which can be addressed by training. I suppose declines in balance and coordination are related to the myelin issues. But myelin also seemed to primarily affect complex reaction time, and I don't think that golf relies much on complex reactions. It's more of a simple reaction game. And simple reactions decline much less than complex reactions as we age, until you hit about 70 or so.

If golf involved complex reactions you would actually be altering your shot in mid-throw if you perceived that your throwing motion was drifting off-line or you sensed a sudden wind gust you wanted to compensate for.

Since complex reaction times are generally in the .5 to .7 seconds time range, you could never improve a throw in any meaningful way once you had initiated the disc's motion toward the target.

As far as random flailings go, I believe I have had my share of those all my discin' life. I generally attribute those, not to my circuitry, but more to my thoughts/beliefs and mental state.

[REDFIVE]

Driving: B-
Distance - B-
Accuracy - B
Versatility - B-
Consistency - B

Midrange: B
Versatility - B
Scramble - B
Approach - A
Consistency - B

Putting: B+
Inside - B
Outside - B+
Consistency - B
Comebacks - A

Mental Game: B
Short Par 3: B
Long Par 3: B
Par 4 and Higher: B


Overall Grade: B


Something like that, maybe.
I would like to think I hang out somewhere in that third tier. I am definately held back by not playing many events throughout the year. I get a solid D for that.

[Chuck Kennedy]

Regardless, the output - an experienced player's rating - seems to go down 10 points every 5 years on average. That's only one throw worse per round on average every five years so the effect is slow but steady. The myelin loss is a specific thing now known that affects performance in several ways, not just complex reaction time. The finger tapping exercise is a simple reflexive test that indicates the loss. There may be other factors not related to myelin like muscle loss but that won't affect most putts as much as one more yip or yank here and there. That's your 10 points per round difference.

[sillybizz]

So back to the original thread...


Driving: C

Distance: C
Accuracy: C
Versatility: B-
Consistency: C

Midrange: C+

Versatility: B
Scramble: D
Approach: C
Consistency: B+

Putting: A

Inside: A+
Outside: B
Consistency: A
Comebacks: A+

Mental Game: B

Short Par 3: B
Long Par 3: D
Par 4 and Higher: D-


Overall Grade: C+

I'm still a killer putter and my driving is coming along pretty well. I've lost a little weight and am in better shape and I'm throwing to about 340 feet BH and 300 feet FH. I've been working on a long jump putt for just outside of turbo range. (70-100 feet)

[mazza]

C. 892-907


woot my highest grade ever( yes that including my school years too)

[Trozzle!!!]

I got game but when it comes to putting i get a major FAIL!! Man I need a clinic or instructor or just get my head outa my.........

You didnt pay attention to my putts last weekend? Your loss, lol

[chris7graham]

Driving: b
Distance - c
Accuracy - a
Versatility - b
Consistency - c

Midrange: a
Versatility - b
Scramble - b
Approach - a
Consistency - a

Putting: c-
Inside - c
Outside - d+
Consistency - c-
Comebacks - c+

Mental Game: c
Short Par 3: b
Long Par 3: c
Par 4 and Higher: c


Overall Grade: c+

I'm my worst critic.I don't think that I'm a bad player,but I rate this on everyone not just locally.

[snap7times]

Driving: B
Distance - B- (Have lost over 50 feet in distance over the last 4 years)
Accuracy - C+ (Some days are just awesome and other days I just seem to go short all day)
Versatility - B (Having a consistent 350 backhand and a 200-275 forehand is important)
Consistency - B- (Play too many tournaments at courses where I have very little experience at)

Midrange: B- (Wish could be more accurate in tight woods)
Versatility - B
Scramble - C+ (Need a longer overhead shot to save me more often)
Approach - B
Consistency - B

Putting: B+ (This is a strong suit of my game when I have the time to practice, have many different styles of putting to my disposal)
Inside - B+ (Make most putts but sometimes I just flake out for no reason)
Outside - B (I like to think I make some really awesome long putts on an average basis)
Consistency - B (Get enough good putts every round)
Comebacks - B+ (Rarely look at a double miss)

Mental Game: B- (Make few mental errors per round)
Short Par 3: C+ (Don't capitalize on these enough)
Long Par 3: B
Par 4 and Higher: B- (Control is the key here)


Overall Grade: B-

[Floodj32]

Driving: B-
Distance: B+ (360-380 would like to hit 400+ consistently for an A rating)
Accuracy: C- (Have trouble leaving myself makeable puts on must have birdie holes.)
Versatility: B+ (I can hit many different flight paths, Flat, Hyzer, and Anny Forehand and Backhand. Forehand needs more distance for a higher grade.)
Consistency: B- (need more practice developing my form so that my throws become more consistent.)

Midrange: B-
Versatility:B- (many different shots at my disposal)
Scramble: A+ (Some how I do my best when I am in real trouble, must be extra focus)
Approach: D- (Weakest part of my game for sure. Have issues leaving my upshots within my comfort zone for putting.)
Cosistency: B- ( I for the most part I am consistent in my midrange shots.)

Putting: B
Inside: A- (Very strong putter inside the circle, both mentally and physically. I have a well developed routine I perform before each put. I have a stradle put and a straight up putt so I can putt even when I am in weird footing and obsticles in my way.)
Outside: D (This is another trouble spot in my game. I am not sure how to proceed most of the time when at this distance.)
Consistency: A- (As long as I am in my comfort distance for putting I am very consistent. My comfort zone is about 40-45 feet.)
Comebacks: B (not the strongest part of my putting game but still above average.)

Mental Game: B-
Short Par 3: C (as talked about above I have the ability to but I rarely pick up these much needed birdies so that fact usually weighs heavy on my mental condition on these holes.)
Long Par 3:A- (Since they are not generally must have birdie holes I relax and so this is where I do my best.)
Par 4 and Higher: B (I mentally approach longer holes pretty well. Plan my route and try and execute.)

Overall: B
I need to work on something in each part of my game. Distance is nothing without accuracy. I have the same problem with driving as I do with Midrange. I need to work on leaving my putts within my comfort zone and my scores will drop. This will also alleviate my issue with putting from outside the circle. So before working on a jump put I will focus on my driving accuracy and my up shots.

I'm thinking an absolute scale for overall grades for competitive tournament players who play at least 6-7 sanctioned events a year might look like this:

Diamond 1040+
Gold Star 1035-1039
Silver Star 1030-1034
Bronze Star 1025-1029
A+ 1008-1024
A. 992-1007
A- 975-991
B+ 958-974
B. 942-957
B- 925-941
C+ 908-924
C. 892-907
C- 875-891
D+ 858-874
D. 842-857
D- 825-841

For women, add 100 points to your rating and use the men's scale. For men and women over 39, add 10 points to your rating for every 5 years over age 40 and use the above scale. So I'm turning 58 next month with a 922 rating so my equivalent would be 962 in the B+ range.

BTW, the 10 point loss in rating for every 5 years past age 40 is a real statistic from ratings data gathered over 10 years.

By this scale I am a B- (935 rating). So by this scale I gave a fair assesment of myself. Thanks for starting this thread, it is a great idea to rate ones self an reflect on your own game. A person's hardest critic is themselves. I now have a focus for the upcoming season to work on my accuracy and placement of the disc.

[DexterHawk]

This is a great thread.

I like the idea of helping people rate themselves with ratings chuck, but please don't tell m those are all going to become competitive divisions.

Maybe in sets of three.

And this version should force people to go pro at some point!

It would be awesome! Women could play with men, old farts could play young farts. Maybe not at every tournament but at some this would be a really cool model.

[Chuck Kennedy]

I like the idea of helping people rate themselves with ratings chuck, but please don't tell me those are all going to become competitive divisions.
They already are. Gold >974 is essentially Class A, Blue >924 Class B, White >874 Class C, Red 875> Class D. These ratings ranges are already the basis for new course designs and the divisions for the Mid-Nationals when it returns as an event. Players over 1024 are the Super Gold players and there are special course design guidelines we use for them in Final 9 setups. The average rating for PDGA men under age 40 is right in the C range within a few points of 900. That's one reason there's a division break at 900 between Rec and Intermediate because over 40% of PDGA men have ratings from 880-930: http://www.pdga.com/ratings

[sillybizz]

Can I do this Super Class too?

[LJ Jubner]

Maybe a pass/fail for sign up but don't show up

[sillybizz]

Super Class!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Driving: C

Distance: B
Accuracy: B
Versatility: C (Rollers are important!)
Consistency: D

Midrange: C-

Versatility: D
Scramble: D
Approach: C
Consistency: C

Putting: D (This is what kills me in Super Class)

Inside: C
Outside: D
Consistency: D
Comebacks: C
Wind: F

Mental Game: B

Short Par 3: D
Long Par 3: D
Par 4 and Higher: C


Overall Grade: C-

Super Class is still tough for me, my fingers aren't long enough to use the grip that Dion was using at his birthday Super Class tournament. My upside down putt is pretty weak, and turbo putting is hard for Super Class. As soon as the ratings are updated I won't be the worst rated in WA anymore. :)

[DexterHawk]

Thanks for the geeky statistics stuff...

How do you think ratings are doing at this point and what rationale do you use when you make your evaluations?

I personally think that it has been a pretty fair reflection of my play on most days.

[Chuck Kennedy]

The rating for a specific score hasn't really changed since we started. A 50 on 50 SSA course is still a 1000-rated round. The variance from the "true" value is still +/- 20 points for a single round but now that we average multiple rounds together on the same layout, the numbers are better. The one thing that will never be settled is how well a player's rating predicts future performance. It does a pretty good job indicating a player's past performance because ratings are really just a fancy way of averaging the scores that players shoot. For players with stable ratings, I can predict to a very accurate level, what their average performance will be for the next 10 rounds such that I would put money on it (if the person didn't know I was doing it). What no one can really predict is what their next round rating will be, other than statistically it should fall between 2 numbers 2/3 of the time, or 19 out of 20, or 99 out of a 100 times depending on how many standard deviations you use to set the range.