Question about the - 500 + rating search.

Now that's a great question. Since casual games don't count why are players forced to match up with only those within the rating range in casual mode. To be honest I don't have an answer to this one and I await to see what the explanation is for this one.

They may not "count" rating-wise...but you still have to play them. And I'm guessing that most people would feel a bit uncomfortable playing an opponent too far out of that range (whether it's too high or too low).

But as the original poster mentions these casual games don't count for any ratings points so whatever inhibitions they have about losing is gone. So this explanation doesn't compute.

@Curious1 Sure, there's no rating that's at stake. But it still affects your win:loss ratio on your profile which I think is more important.

Even if that's true it still doesn't answer why casual games have to be restricted by ratings range. So forget the win loss ratio in the profile because that also doesn't compute.

I was hoping someone would post this. 99.99% of my games were casual with the max rating range. For me its is philosophically important that I am willing to face any opponent. I have lost and beat players way outside the new range many times. It is great to be able to play and learn from much stronger players and to play and teach weaker players.

Not being able to accept challenges from any rating kinda breaks lichess for me.

Also, how will weak (er than me) players ever know they suck if they don't get to lose against much stronger players? And how will much stronger players ever be humbled by letting their guard down?

I'm cool with the new restrictions for rated games.