Ken Sloan beats me hands down when it comes to understanding the rating
system, but I know much more than he does about practical play and player
strength. 1000-strength players know considerably more than how to move the
pieces.

For what little it matters, a bit over two years ago I joined the ICC
and I
barely knew the rules. I was given an initial rating of 1000. It didnt
take long until
that rating dropped to about 800.