From: Pieter Stouten CARBON DMPC COM> Date: 15 jul 1996 Subject: Dutch "Points" promotion system THE DUTCH CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM. 5 SEP 1987 (replaces 13 FEB 1986). The Classification Committee (CC) of the NShB [Dutch Shogi Association/PFWS] classifies dangraded players, but in order to do it properly it also keeps track of 1- and 2-kyu graded players. The CC uses an integrated system of points, which is based on the system used by the British Go Association, but additional information, like a professionals judgement, will be taken into consideration too. On winning (losing) a game a player gains (loses) a specified number of points, depending on the strength of his opponent. If a player scores at least 125 points within a period of 14 months over a continuous series of at least 12 and at most 20 games he will be promoted one grade. A player will also be promoted if he has not played 12 games yet, but cannot be prevented to score at least 125 points out of 12 games (170 out of 11, 215/10 or 260/9). OPPONENT WIN LOSS(1) 3 or more grades stronger +45 --- (3) 2 grades stronger +45 -10 1 grade stronger +45 -25 equal strength +25 -45 1 grade weaker +10 (2) -45 2 or more grades weaker --- (3) -45 (1) Draws are regarded not played. (2) A win against an opponent, who is 1 grade weaker, only produces points if this opponent is 1-kyu or stronger. Otherwise the game is not taken into account. (3) A game against an opponent, who is 3 or more grades stronger, is taken into account only, if the game was won. Consequently a game against an opponent, who is 2 or more grades weaker, is taken into account only if the game was lost. VALID GAMES In principle all official games without handicaps, with a timelimit of at least 45 minutes per player and at least 30 seconds byoyomi are regarded as valid. Games are official if they are played in the scope of an international tournament, national or European championship, or (inter)district tournament. GRADES Normally the grade of an opponent used in the calculations is the official grade of this opponent with two possible exceptions: (A) If an opponent plays very few games a year or just started playing after a long non-playing period his grade may be considered not reliable and consequently games he plays will not be taken into account. (B) If an opponent is not a member of the NShB and if he would not have gained his grade within our system his grade will be estimated by the CC. The CC can depart from these rules if there are serious reasons to do so. Pieter Stouten.