Make Joint USCF Database
This utility combines two legacy USCF dBase (.dbf) files into a single database containing all three rating types.
Access: Database > Database setup… > right-click in the database list > USCF Joint
Modern USCF databases do not need this. The current binary format (.rbin.gz) downloaded via the Database Wizard already includes all three rating types (Regular, Quick, Blitz) in a single file. This utility is only needed for legacy dBase (.dbf) files obtained directly from USCF.
Background
Legacy USCF dBase databases can only hold two ratings per file. USCF therefore distributed two separate files to cover all three rating types:
- TARSFLE.DBF — Regular + Quick ratings
- TARATSUP.DBF — Regular + Blitz ratings (Golden Database format)
This utility merges them into one file with all three ratings.
Requirements
Before running the merge:
- Both files must be the same type (standard TARSFLE format, or both Golden Database TARATSUP format)
- Both files must be in separate folders
- Files must have the expected names listed above — rename them first if necessary
- Both files must have index files — if missing, set each file as your primary database via the Database Wizard and allow SwissSys to create indexes when prompted
Creating the Joint Database
Open the merge dialog
Go to Database > Database setup…, right-click in the database list, and select USCF Joint.
Set file paths
Enter the path to each combining database:
- Regular + Quick database — path to TARSFLE.DBF
- Regular + Blitz database — path to TARATSUP.DBF
- Combined database to be created — path and name for the output file (must have .dbf extension)
Run the merge
Click Join files. The process may take several minutes for large databases.
Set as primary database
After completion, configure the combined file as your primary database via Database > Database setup… or the Database Wizard.
Rating Display in Registration
The registration dialog shows two ratings per player. The regular rating is always first. The second rating shown depends on your rating type preference:
- Regular or Quick selected → second column shows Quick rating
- Blitz selected → second column shows Blitz rating
The currently imported rating type is shown in capital letters at the bottom of the search results.
Configure which rating type to load in Ratings Tab - Environment Options.
Related Topics
- Legacy Database Formats — Working with dBase and other older formats
- Downloading USCF Database — Modern binary format (recommended)
- Database Wizard — Set up and index database files