How CFC Ratings Differ from FIDE
Instead of a continuous formula, the CFC Handbook Section 4 defines expected score through a 51-band lookup table based on rating difference. Each band covers a range of differences and maps to a fixed expected score, giving slightly different results near band boundaries compared to the FIDE formula. CFC also uses a single rating list — there are no separate Classical, Rapid, or Blitz ratings.
The 2199 Rating Threshold
CFC uses two K-factors: K=32 for players rated below 2199, and K=16 for players rated 2199 or above. The lower K for strong players stabilises their ratings against large swings. When a player's rating crosses the 2199 boundary mid-tournament, the CFC applies a dampening adjustment to avoid double-counting the K-factor change.
Bonus Points Explained
After 4 or more rated games in an event, two bonuses can apply. The regular bonus activates when your rating gain exceeds 13 × Ke × √n (where Ke = K/32 and n = games played), rewarding genuinely exceptional performance beyond what the formula alone captures. The lifetime high bonus adds 20 × Ke points if your new rating would set a personal record. Both bonuses are added on top of the standard Elo change.