Understanding FargoRate & CSI
What is FargoRate? FargoRate is the universal rating system for pool players worldwide, maintained by CueSports International (CSI). Unlike old systems that used local “averages,” FargoRate uses a mathematical formula to rate players based on their performance against others. Because it’s a global system, a “450” in Oak Creek is the same as a “450” in Las Vegas.
How does it work for new players? If you’ve never played in a sanctioned league, you’ll start with a “Starter Rating” (typically 350 for men and 275 for women). As you play matches on Wednesday nights, your rating will adjust based on:
- Who you played: Beating a higher-rated player helps you more than beating someone at your own level.
- Games won vs. lost: It’s strictly about the win/loss of each game, not how many balls you made.
What is “Robustness”? You’ll see a number next to your rating called “Robustness.” This is simply the number of games you’ve played. Once you hit 200 games, your rating is considered “Established,” meaning the system has enough data to be highly confident in your skill level.
| Rating Range | Typical Skill Level |
| 200 – 350 | Beginner/Novice league player |
| 351 – 450 | Intermediate/Average league player |
| 451 – 550 | Strong/Advanced league player |
| 551 – 650 | Semi-Pro / Top-tier regional player |
| 700+ | Professional level |
Why is this better for our league? Because FargoRate is updated daily with millions of games from around the world, it makes sandbagging nearly impossible and ensures that our handicaps are as fair as possible. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing 8-ball in the winter or 9-ball in the summer—all your games contribute to your one, true rating.
Tracking Your Stats: The FargoRate App
To stay on top of your game and see how you stack up against the rest of the league, we recommend all players download the official FargoRate App. This is the easiest way to monitor your progress throughout the Main 8-Ball season and the Summer 9-Ball session.
How to get started:
- Download the App: Available on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Claim Your Profile: Once you have played your first few matches, search for your name in the app.
- Monitor Your Growth: You can view your “Robustness” (game count), see your win probability against upcoming opponents, and track your rating changes after every Wednesday night.
- Stay Connected: The app also allows you to look up other players in the Yampa Valley BCA Pool League to see where the competition stands.
Member Benefit: Your annual league dues fully cover your membership in FargoRate. This provides you with all Premium Features at no additional cost, including deep-dive analytics, your full match history, and advanced performance tracking.
