FargoRate and Pool Handicaps: How Ratings and Races Work
FargoRate is the most widely used rating system in American pool. It gives every player a number based on their game results, and directors use it to set handicaps and rating caps for tournaments.
What the numbers mean
Ratings run from a few hundred for newer players to the 800s for the world's best. Many league and bar players fall roughly between 400 and 550; strong local players are often in the 600s.
The 100-point rule
The key idea is simple: a 100-point difference means the higher-rated player is expected to win about two games for every one the lower-rated player wins. A 200-point gap is about 4 to 1. That makes it possible to build fair handicapped races.
Handicapped races
In a handicapped event, players race to different numbers. A 600 playing a 500 might race to 5 against a race to 3, so each player has roughly the same chance to win the match. Directors usually use a printed chart or an app to look up races.
Rating caps
Many events are listed as "550 and under" or "a 1000 combined Fargo" for doubles. That means only players at or below the number can enter (for doubles, the two partners' ratings added together). You will see these caps in many tournament names on this site.
Don't have a rating?
Your rating builds as your results are reported. Many rooms and leagues report weekly tournaments. Until you have a solid rating, directors usually assign you a starting number — be honest about your level.
See the numbers for every rating gap in our Fargo rating chart.