A CSR below 3 stars should not be used for handicapping because it is not yet accurate enough to represent the player's skill reliably.
What do the stars mean?
The CSR number estimates a player's skill level. The stars indicate the accuracy of that estimate. Fewer stars mean there is more uncertainty about the rating; they do not mean the player is less skilled.
Why not lower the minimum to 2.5 stars?
Lowering the threshold does not make the rating more accurate. Using a CSR before it is reliable enough can give a player too much or too little handicap and affect the fairness of a match. This is why we do not use a CSR below 3 stars.
Even if you enter a value below 3 stars in the settings, the system reverts to the 3-star minimum. The minimum cannot be lowered to 2.5 stars or any other value below 3.
How many games are needed?
There is no fixed number of games that guarantees a player will reach the required accuracy. Recorded results help build accuracy, but the accuracy of the opponents' ratings also matters. Two players with the same number of games may therefore have different star levels.
What can managers use in the meantime?
For players who do not yet meet the required star threshold, managers can configure an evaluated value in a PCSR or use a default CSR for the division. This provides a value for handicapping while the player's calculated rating develops.
For setup instructions, see How to set a CSR for players without a CSR.
The goal is to use a rating that is accurate enough for fair handicapping, rather than use a calculated number simply because one exists.