The trick you describe reminds me of "first order optimal strategies" [1], a.k.a. "noob strat" or "chesse" in online gaming lingo. The thing is, as your rating

The trick you describe reminds me of "first order optimal strategies" [1], a.k.a. "noob strat" or "chesse" in online gaming lingo. The thing is, as your rating rises, you meet more and more player that know those strategies, and your rating will reach a plateau - typically in the equivalent of low gold league (slightly above average). As for the rating system, ELO is very practical for matchmaking and numerous games have adopted it (including MOBAs, RTS, FPS games). [1] https://thethoughtfulgamer.com/2017/03/09/first-order-optimal-strategies-narrative-inspired-heuristics/ https://thethoughtfulgamer.com/2017/03/09/first-order-optima...