The Race to 500: Why My Fargo Rating Is Stuck at 369 — But I'm Still Winning
- Bill Travis
- Aug 2
- 2 min read
Understanding the Fargo Rating Plateau — and Why It Doesn't Tell the Whole Story
My Fargo Rating is currently stuck at 369, but that number doesn’t tell the full story.
As I aim for my goal of reaching Fargo 500 by February 2026, I’ve hit a kind of plateau. Not because I’m not improving — but because of how the Fargo Rating system works. After months of disciplined training and focused league play, my rating is hovering between 367 and 369.
But here's the thing: I'm still getting better, and my winning percentage is increasing. So what gives?
Fargo Rating vs. Real Skill
My current Fargo Rating is 369, but that rating moves very slowly once your robustness (number of rated games) increases. Because I play two BCA league nights per week — with up to 10 rated games — my rating adjusts more cautiously over time.
That’s not a bad thing. It means the system becomes more reliable. But it also means improvement can be masked if you're winning and losing against similarly rated players.
My Win Rate Tells a Different Story
My overall win percentage is 36% but my recent percentages have increased to an estimated 45%. I've been beating players rated between 420 and 470, and recently beat a 608 rated player. I think the training, execution, and mindset have helped me.
But since Fargo takes into account the rating of your opponent, and since I'm playing a mix of stronger and mid-level players, I don't get big jumps even when I win.
It's "possible" that I'm a 400 level right now but the fargo rating doesn't show it.
Based on my shot-making, position play, and feedback from my coach Jerry Briesath, I’m probably already playing at around 400. But it may take another 60+ rated games to show that, because the Fargo system, as good as it is, appears in some cases to me, to be a lagging indicator.
That’s OK.
When I arrive at the BCA World Championships in February 2026, I won’t be focused on what an algorhythm says — I’ll be playing the way I’ve trained.
The Strategy: Train Beyond the Rating
I’m not letting my Fargo Rating define my game.
My practice routine has become more surgical. I’m focusing on:
My stroke, the most fundamental required skill
Concentration on improving aim
Straight-in stroke-building shots
Cue ball strike precision
Cue ball stop and draw control
Cut shot confidence at different distances
Random run-out drills
Prepared difficult run-out drills
Game-based pressure drills
And I’m staying in the game mentally — whether I win or lose. In fact, I review every match to see what went right and what cost me the loss, or gave me the win.
The Real Race Isn’t to 500 — It’s to Play My Best Game
The rating will catch up.
My goal hasn’t changed: Fargo 500!
My AI study shows that it is virtually impossible to reach 500 by February, so that time frame has been extended. But whether I show up in Las Vegas in February as a 370 or a 450, I’ll be walking into that tournament ready.
Because what matters most isn’t the number.
It’s the skills I've learned and the confidence I’ve gained at the table.