ELO Points System
Dynamic rankings that reflect your real playing level
What are ELO points?
The ELO system is a mathematical method for calculating the relative skill levels of players in competitive games. Each player has a numerical score that represents their current skill level.
Dynamic
Your score changes after each match
Fair
Considers your opponent's strength
Accurate
Reflects your real playing level
Unlike traditional point systems where you earn the same points for each victory, the ELO system considers your opponent's quality. Defeating a stronger player gives you more points than defeating a weaker one.
History of the ELO System
The ELO system was created by Arpad Elo, a Hungarian-American physics professor, originally to rank chess players. The World Chess Federation (FIDE) adopted it in 1970.
Creation
Arpad Elo develops the system
Chess
FIDE officially adopts the system
Expansion
Extends to video games and other sports
Tenis del Parque
We implement it in our league
Since then, the system has been adapted for many sports and competitive games, including tennis, football, video games, and now our amateur tennis league.
Why do we use ELO?
We chose the ELO system for our league because we want every match to be exciting and fair. Traditional league systems can create unbalanced pairings.
Comparison with other systems
Traditional system
Pros:
- Simple to understand
- Familiar
Cons:
- Unbalanced matches
- Doesn't consider opponent strength
- Can be demotivating
ELO System
Pros:
- Fair pairings
- Constant motivation
- Reflects real progress
- Used worldwide
Cons:
- Requires initial explanation
Why is it perfect for us?
Amateur league with different levels
We have players from beginners to advanced. ELO ensures everyone has competitive matches.
Flexible Swiss system
Our Swiss format benefits from ELO to create optimal pairings each round.
Continuous motivation
There's always something to play for. Even if you can't win the league, you can improve your ELO.
Visible progress
Players can see their improvement over time, not just in one season.
At Tenis del Parque, you'll start with a base ELO according to your declared level: Beginner (1100), Intermediate (1200), or Advanced (1300). After each match, your ELO will adjust based on the result and your opponent's strength.
How ELO works in our league
Here's how we calculate ELO changes after each match:
Practical example
Before the match
Result
Ana wins 6-3, 6-4
Calculation
- →Ana has 100 more ELO points
- →The system expects Ana to win ~64% of the time
- →Ana wins: +12 points (1262)
- →Carlos loses: -12 points (1138)
- →If Carlos had won: +20/-20 points
K Factor
We use a K factor of 32 to allow significant but not drastic changes. This means the maximum you can gain or lose in a match is 32 points.
Benefits of the ELO System
The ELO system offers multiple advantages for players and organizers:
Balanced competition
Pairings are fairer by considering each player's real level
Continuous motivation
Every match matters, maintaining interest throughout the season
Merit recognition
Beating stronger players is rewarded with more points
Total transparency
The system is mathematical and objective, without subjective interpretations
ELO Categories in our league
Although we have three registration levels, your ELO can vary freely within any range:
Your initial ELO is just a starting point. After a few matches, your score will reflect your real playing level, regardless of the category you registered in.