Block rating
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The subject of this article was removed in patch 4.0.1 but remains in World of Warcraft: Classic.
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Block rating is a combat rating that improves your chance to block an attack with a shield. Some abilities, enchantments, items and spells can contribute bonus block rating as well (the bonus spell usually has the name "Improved Blocking" or "Increased Block X"). Block rating was removed from itemization with Cataclysm, with Block chance instead being increased by the masteries for protection paladins (
[Mastery: Divine Bulwark]) and protection warriors (
[Mastery: Critical Block]).
Block rating is not to be confused with "block value" which increases the amount blocked each time a block occurs, rather than the chance for a block to occur.
The rating currently only exists in Burning Crusade Classic. At level 70, players require 7.88 block rating to gain 1% block chance. Note that Block chance can also be increased through defense rating, of which 59 defense rating is needed for 24.88 defense to give 1% block chance.
In World of Warcraft: Classic, Block is itemized as a fixed chance rather than a rating, varying in amounts from 1% to 5% per item.
Patch changes
Patch 4.0.1 (2010-10-12): Removed. 
Patch 3.0.2 (2008-10-14): Now has diminishing returns. 
Patch 2.0.1 (2006-12-05): Block chance on items has been converted to a combat rating.