Questions about skill levels

1. What are skill levels?
2. How is my skill level calculated?
3. When is a skill level considered to be "high?"
4. What does my skill level have to do with which opponents are assigned to me?
5. Why can't I find an opponent sometimes? What should I do when this happens?
6. Can I challenge players of higher and lower skill levels?
7. Why do other players seem to win a lot more often than I do?
8. Do Practice Players also have a skill level?

1. What are skill levels?

   The skill level grading system that is used on GameDuell calculates your playing qualities and converts them into a number based on your performance in certain games. Because of this, your skill level in Combina is different than your skill level for Solitaire or 9-Ball Solo. This grading system is similar to the different skill-levels that are used in athletics.

2. How is my skill level calculated?

   Before you have participated in any duels, your skill level is set to 90. Your personal skill level will be calculated after you have completed your first duel in a particular game. Your skill level is then updated every time a winner is determined after a duel. The better you play, the more your skill level value will rise.

   Training duels do not factor into the calculation of your skill level. Such duels allow you to play against opponents of completely different skill levels, which is why they are excluded from skill level calculation.

3. When is a skill level considered to be "high?"

   You begin with a moderate skill level value of 90. Starting with this skill level, there is plenty of room for improvement.

4. What does my skill level have to do with which opponents are assigned to me?

   Our skill level grading system should guarantee maximum gaming fun because you are only offered opponents with similar abilities and experiences. This should also ensure that all duels are varied and challenging. Our skill level grading system makes sure that only players of a similar skill level are assigned to duels with you.

5. Why can't I find an opponent sometimes? What should I do when this happens?

   At times when very few players are using the website, like at night, GameDuell might not be able to find opponents of your skill level. If this happens, you still have the opportunity to begin a duel yourself, or try a different game.

6. Can I challenge players of higher and lower skill levels?

   Yes, when you challenge a player the skill level of the opponent is not taken into consideration because both players must willingly accept the invitation. This offers a chance for you to test your skills against those of players with higher skill levels.

7. Why do other players seem to win a lot more often than I do?

   GameDuell only offers games of skill. Some members have considerably improved their skills since they started their memberships. Many other players could not have been any better than you when they began playing here.
   
   Here are a few tips to help you improve your chances of winning:

   • Play duels with fewer opponents. Once you have improved your skills you can try multiplayer duels.
   • Try playing at different times of the day. You will run into players of different skill levels at different times of day.
   • Try a different game. Maybe you have not yet found the one game that best matches your abilities!
   • Read through the rules. Make sure that you have not overlooked any important information, such as how you can score extra points.
   • Use the messaging feature to ask more experienced players for tips and tricks.

8. Do Practice Players also have a skill level?

   The skill level calculation for Practice Players and Money Players is the same. Your skill level will be reset when you register as a Money Player.