The Elo system
A single number that reflects your real playing level. It's recalculated after every match based on the result and your opponent's level, with no opaque tables or manual decisions.
Your level, in one number
Elo measures every player's competitive level in Open-TT. It's global and unique across the whole ecosystem, and it updates after every match, not after every tournament: every game counts. It serves three purposes: measuring your real level, balancing competitions by grouping similar players, and tracking your progress over time.
Glicko: an Elo that learns
Open-TT uses Glicko, an evolution of classic Elo. Beyond your rating, the system estimates how certain it is about your level. When you start out it has little certainty, so your Elo moves fast to find your spot; as you play more matches it gains precision and the adjustments become finer. It all happens automatically and individually for each player: no brackets, no thresholds, no manual intervention.
The rules of the game
Beating someone better counts for more
Defeating a higher-Elo rival earns you a bigger gain; losing to someone below you costs more. The system rewards risk.
Your progress doesn't expire
Elo doesn't drop when you stop playing. Come back whenever you want and keep your level, even if you deregister and return later.
It settles with you
At first it adjusts quickly to calibrate your level; over time it becomes stable and precise. If you return after a long break, it recalibrates more nimbly.
Transparent history
Every match is logged with date, rival, result and the Elo change. Your progression is public and verifiable.
It's not a ranking
Elo measures your level; a ranking orders by results in competitions. You can lead a ranking without holding the highest Elo, and vice versa.
You choose your starting point
When you create your profile you pick the segment that best describes you. You can change it until your first match; after that, only results move your Elo.
Six segments to begin
You pick one when you create your profile. From your first match on, your Elo evolves solely through results.
- Beginner
Recreational play, no formal competition.
500Starting Elo - Amateur
Competes occasionally, basic level.
800Starting Elo - Intermediate
Competes regularly, mid level.
1200Starting Elo - Advanced
Serious competition, solid technique.
1600Starting Elo - Expert
High level, elite competition.
2000Starting Elo - Professional
Professional level, international competition.
2400Starting Elo
Open-TT's Elo is a proprietary level-measurement system. It does not replace or replicate the official ratings of table tennis federations.