Ever checked your chess rating, saw 700, and wondered if you’re secretly a prodigy or just really good at losing gracefully? Short answer: 700 is a beginner rating, but a solid start. It means you’re learning fast, building strategy, and worthy of playing on Luxury Chess Sets someday. Keep reading to level up!

The Short Answer: Yes, 700 is a Good Rating for a Dedicated Beginner
If you’re asking “is 700 a bad chess rating?”, relax, it’s not bad at all. A 700 chess rating means you’ve moved beyond pure guessing and into real strategy. You know how the pieces move, understand the rules, and can spot simple tactics. It’s the foundation every strong player builds on.
What a 700 Rating Means: You Understand the Rules, Basic Tactics, and are Improving
At 700, you already grasp the basics of chess pawn structure, castling, and simple checkmates. You can probably answer “what does ELO stand for” (it’s named after Arpad Elo, the mathematician behind the system). You might still miss a fork or two, but your pattern recognition is improving game by game.
It is a Great Foundation and a Sign of Progress in Your Chess Journey
Every chess master, even Magnus Carlsen (whose rating hovers above 2800), started somewhere. Your 700 rating shows you’re already walking that same path. It’s not a limit it’s a launchpad to higher milestones like 1000, 1200, and beyond.
Where a 700 Rating Places You in the Chess World
Wondering how a 700 rating compares globally? You’re definitely not alone. It puts you ahead of complete beginners but with plenty of room to grow, think of it as the starting line of your long chess marathon.
Understanding Online Chess Ratings (Chess.com vs. Lichess)
On Chess.com, a 700 ELO rating sits in the early stages, just above absolute beginners. Meanwhile, on Lichess, the same player might show as 800 or even 900 due to system differences. The point isn’t the number, it’s steady improvement.
The Percentile Breakdown: A 700 Rating is Often Higher Than 30–40% of All Players
A 700 ELO player is already ahead of 30–40% of all online players, according to average chess rating data. So if you’ve been thinking “how bad is a 700 chess rating?”, you can officially stop worrying. You’re not losing, you’re levelling up.
The Typical Chess Skill Ladder by Online Rating
The chess world runs on numbers, but each milestone has meaning. Here’s where ELO ratings stand:
Under 1000: Beginner
From is 500 a bad rating in chess to is 600 ELO good in chess, this range covers players learning the ropes basic rules, openings, and avoiding accidental checkmates.
1000–1400: Intermediate
If you’re around the 1000 chess rating, you’re starting to strategise and anticipate threats. At 1200, you’re confidently controlling the board and asking, “is 1200 a good chess rating?” Yes, it absolutely is.
1400–1800: Strong Club Player
Only a small percentage of players reach this level. If you’ve ever wondered how many people have a 1500 chess rating, it’s fewer than you think.
1800–2200: Expert or Candidate Master
This is serious territory, players at this level study openings, analyse games, and think several moves ahead.
2200 and Above: Master Level
Welcome to elite status. While a 3000 chess rating is nearly impossible (even Magnus Carlsen hasn’t crossed it), the top masters consistently hover above 2800.

What a 700-Rated Player Typically Knows (and Doesn’t Know)
Common Strengths: Understanding Basic Tactics like Forks, Pins, and Skewers
At 700, you’re learning how tactics win games. You can spot a fork or a skewer when it’s obvious, and you’re learning to think beyond one move. You’re building intuition that turns random moves into purposeful play.
Common Weaknesses: Frequently Blundering Pieces and Missing Simple Checkmates
You’ll still drop a piece or miss a checkmate in two, it’s part of the journey. Many players say they’re stuck at 700 ELO chess, but that’s just the plateau before progress kicks in. Every blunder teaches you something new.
How to Improve Your Chess Rating from 700
Focus on Solving Tactical Puzzles Every Day
Tactical puzzles train your eyes and brain. Doing just 10–15 minutes daily can boost your awareness faster than playing endless blitz games. You’ll start recognising winning combinations instantly.
Play Longer Games (15+10) and Analyse Them Afterwards to Find Mistakes
If you only play lightning-fast matches, you’ll keep repeating errors. Try longer games, 15-minute matches with 10-second increments. Review your games afterward to spot why you lost a piece or missed a tactic.
Learn and Follow Basic Opening Principles, Not Complex Variations
Forget memorising deep openings. Stick to timeless fundamentals: control the centre, develop your knights and bishops, and castle early. These principles are the real secret to climbing from 700 to 1000 ELO.
The Verdict: Be Proud of Your 700 Rating!
Why It’s a Significant Milestone on the Path to Chess Mastery
Whether you’re chasing a 1200 or 1500 goal, your 700 rating is the stepping stone that gets you there. It means you’ve started thinking like a chess player seeing patterns, planning attacks, and learning from defeats. Be proud, it’s where every great story begins.

FAQ: Chess Ratings
What is a good chess rating for a beginner after one month?
If you’ve hit 600–800 ELO in your first month, you’re doing great. That’s ahead of most new players and shows you’re improving quickly.
Is a 1200 chess rating considered good?
Yes! A 1200 rating means you’ve mastered tactics, understand openings, and can hold your own in competitive online matches.
How do I get my ELO rating higher than 700?
To go from 700 to 1000 ELO, mix study and play. Solve puzzles daily, play longer games, and review mistakes. Improvement isn’t magic, it’s momentum.
Final Thought:
Your 700 rating is the start of something special. It’s proof that you’ve joined millions in one of the world’s most strategic games. Whether you’re playing on your phone or a Luxury Chess Set, remember, every grandmaster began exactly where you are. Keep learning, stay curious, and let each move bring you closer to mastery.