What Section should my sister play in?

My 9 year old sister just played in an unrated tournament at the library, and she lost all her games. But her opponents were pretty good.  We're going to sign her up for a rated tournament coming up and I'm wondering if she should play in the U500 or U1000 section.   Below are her games: what do you think her strength is?

I have to estimate her rating at about 500. As for which section to play, I have no idea. Below 1000 I have no idea what ratings mean anyway.

I'd ask her if she has a preference; that's be first choice.

If she has none, then I'd recommend U500 because those 2 games are very typical of the beginner group games I see at my son's chess club.  The beginners are around USCF 200-500 rating.  So, she's fit well in the U500 section (but double check that 9 yr old meets the age restriction of U500 in that tournament.  Around here, U500 is only available to 7/8 and under.)

On second thought, maybe U1000 might actually be better (when other things are considered) because she may feel uncomfortable towering over all the other competitors.  Only somebody who knows her well can determine whether this would be an issue.

Feeling out of place can make things less enjoyable (including chess), so playing in the U1000 might be acceptable (there'll be older kids who are 100, 200 rated there because of age); and she's probably not going to lose all her games thanks to the swiss system.

Or you can tell her what my son's coach mentioned: when he's playing chess, he doesn't see how old/young the opponent is, only the opponent's rating.

Based on the games posted, I'd put her at 300 too.

To the OP: has she played at chess clubs (clubs geared towards competitions)?  If so, then you can get a good sense of her rating just after a few visits (many allow drop in or evaluation without being on the their team).

It's something the coach say to people to comfort them about age differences (there are 8th graders who might play kindergarteners and vice versa).

Also, it would be hard not to notice player ratings since it is normally posted right on the board assignments, next to the player names : )

unsure if that was an issue with the sicilian.: 6. Bxe6 but the Bishop was not trapped yet.

The vivi section.

probably in the u500 if its going to be her first rated tournement, it builds self esteem you dont want her to get smashed then discouraged her from playing. if she loses in U500 then you know she has work to do.

I"d say shes around 500.  She does have a good sense of controlling the center, castling, etc. But then there are bizzare material blunders like Bxe6.   As a first tournament, I always recommend playing in a section where you can win a bunch of games and build confidence in yourself.

  Tell your 9 yr old sister it happens to a lot of people. I played in the Hartford open some yrs back. I registered in the wrong catagory. Lost all the games. Had my butt handed to me by a couple of guys rated in the 1900's. 

   Ahahahahahahahahaha  I may take you up on that offer.