New player beginning rating

They're assigned based on how you answer the question about your level of chess experience during account creation. Right now I think that the starting ratings are: "new to chess" = 400, "beginner" = 800, "intermediate" = 1200, "advanced" = 1600, and "expert" = 2000.
The specific numbers might have changed over time, as I seem to recall being assigned a starting rating of 1000 when I chose "beginner" back in April 2020, but you get the idea. Also, I hear that this system wasn't always in place and that, at some point in the past before I joined, everyone used to be assigned a starting rating of 1200.

however it will slowly adjust to your actual rate.
With Glicko, it will be pretty quick.

Hmm. I still see the expert option when viewing the sign up page in incognito mode on my desktop browser.

Hmm. I still see the expert option when viewing the sign up page in incognito mode on my desktop browser.
I think the option posted by @justbefair is for guest play only.
They're assigned based on how you answer the question about your level of chess experience during account creation. Right now I think that the starting ratings are: "new to chess" = 400, "beginner" = 800, "intermediate" = 1200, "advanced" = 1600, and "expert" = 2000.
The specific numbers might have changed over time, as I seem to recall being assigned a starting rating of 1000 when I chose "beginner" back in April 2020, but you get the idea. Also, I hear that this system wasn't always in place and that, at some point in the past before I joined, everyone used to be assigned a starting rating of 1200.
idon't see the expert when sign up chess.com


Even if you start at 400, if you're an 1800 strength, the Glicko rating system will quickly get you to an appropriate rating for any given pool