[computer-go] erm...

[Jacques Basaldúa]

Don Dailey wrote:

> The assumption is that 1 Dan 19x19  =  1 Dan
> 9x9  and on average this will be true. 

That is precisely my point. It is a very strong assumption because
19x19 has lots of things: joseki study, global board evaluation, etc.
that do not exist in 9x9. This assumption is only an approximation. It 
is  like  guessing that a world champion 100 meter runner will also be 
a world champion long jump athlete. That may happen (Carl Lewis), but 
usually it is not the case,  although the correlation is evident. 
Perhaps the word champion in 19x19 is in the top-50 at 9x9. Nobody will 
be surprised if a 3 dan beats a 5 dan consistently in 9x9, because it 
is a different game, but of course, a 10 kyu won't have a chance.

The correct answer should be: dan does not exist for board sizes other 
than 19. And it is impossible to define a consistent scale made of 30
levels for 9x9. Perhaps 9x9 has only 10 or 12 levels. Defining a step
in level as being a standard deviation above the other player in the 
normal distribution that justifies the Elo system.

(BTW. The best proof that the 19x19 level does not match the 9x9
level are the UCT programs themselves.)

Jacques.