Not that long ago I was in the 1700s

Hi @firebreathingpoptart!

There is definitely a natural variation in your chess rating online, especially if you are playing a lot (there might be a good streak where you win a lot, a bad streak where the games go poorly).

One of the main causes of online rating decrease can be tilting. If a lot of your losses are happening one after the other on the same day, that might be why. Many players like to set a rule for themselves: "If I lose three games in a row, I will take a short break to re-focus".

Another successful strategy can be to try to play online games at the optimal time and conditions. Some people feel they play better on the computer than their phone, or they might play better in the morning than at night, etc. --- you can treat it like a mini- experiment to find what playing conditions are best for you.

Good luck!

@firebreathingpoptart said ^

As recently as July actually. Now I struggle to stay in above 1500. Since starting online chess about 8 years ago my blitz rating gradually increased. For the last year or so it felt like the high 1600s low 1700s was my natural spot. The last few months have felt different. Obvious blunders from my opponents don't happen nearly as often. Many times I can tell I'm going to lose early in the g...

Here are some tips:
(a) Only play when you want to. If you're in a good mood and want to play, you usually will be more focused and stronger
(b) Don't care about the rating. Focus more on your strength and skills. If your strengths and skills are improving, your rating will eventually, too.
(c) Solve puzzles. This is very important. Most of the time, the game's result is determined by tactics especially at your level so it's best to stay sharp
(d) Warm up. Always solve a few puzzles before playing your first game. This will help your brain come alive and actually focus, instead of daydreaming about something else
(e) Analyze your games. I know, it's sometimes really hard to do so. But hey, you might learn something new, fix a mistake, or remember a brilliant sacrifice you've played in a game. This can help you generate new ideas or threats in your future games.

I hope this info. is helpful to you @firebreathingpoptart ;)

Just as an outsider looking in, it seems like you're more concerned with your rating than your actual chess. Forget about the rating, and just focus on doing your best, learning, and most importantly have fun.

Don't get caught up thinking "I have to keep up my rating" or "this guy's high rated I'm sure to lose". That's a self defeating mentality. My rating also peaked a couple hundred points higher than it is now, several years ago. But I'm still enjoying the game and learning new things, that's what's important.

@Pronatorade said ^

As recently as July actually. Now I struggle to stay in above 1500. Since starting online chess about 8 years ago my blitz rating gradually increased. For the last year or so it felt like the high 1600s low 1700s was my natural spot. The last few months have felt different. Obvious blunders from my opponents don't happen nearly a...

Whatcha mean many kids messing around? What, they just want to play chess. What's your prob with that?

@TurtleHermit said ^

Just as an outsider looking in, it seems like you're more concerned with your rating than your actual chess. Forget about the rating, and just focus on doing your best, learning, and most importantly have fun.

Don't get caught up thinking "I have to keep up my rating" or "this guy's high rated I'm sure to lose". That's a self defeating mentality. My rating also peaked a couple hundred points hig...

true

And here what's the prob with kids? I don't understand

I feel i got better but my rating does not

take some rest like for a month , then come back and play . It will reset your mind.