Just checking: I have talked to some people who believe you need to play in at least 3 SSUSA tournaments - and with poor results you can be considered for a ratings drop. Is this the case? And do one of them need to be a major such world's or western/eastern/northern championships?

Or can you not play in 3 - or maybe not even play at all - more or less "sit out' for a year and still get a ratings drop?

bbullet ... Playing in three (3) events is the "general rule" ... Those three don't have to be the bigger/more expensive TOC Qualifiers ... They may be smaller regional events so long as they are SSUSA sanctioned and the Director completes and submits the tournament paperwork and scores ...

As for "sitting it out", that's very seldom, if ever, a good idea ... When a player (or team) stops playing because they believe it will "pass the time" and benefit their ratings desires, we stop the statute of limitations as well until they resume play ... There no benefit there, and in fact it's a detriment because each year out throws away a year of your career ... If your question isn't entirely theoretical in nature, please call the Sacramento Home Office during weekday mornings at (916) 326.5303 and ask for a ratings person ... Be prepared to identify yourself and the team(s) involved ... Good luck!