From: George Fernandez <fernandz <at> EROLS <dot> COM>
Date: 18 jul 1996
Subject: The DC Shogi Club Ratings system

        In the past, there has been some discussion about adopting a uniform
rating system, which could be used by all amateur players or at least
players in European and American shogi organizations. We at the DC Shogi
Club will gladly participate in any review of existing rating systems and
their respective and relative merits.
        The DC Shogi Club Ratings Committee, which is comprised of Michael
Pustilnik, George Fernandez, Larry Kaufman[who once was the USCF(United
States Chess Federation)Ratings Chairman] and Richard Terry is now in the
process of updating statistics pertaining to handicap play.
        Within a couple of weeks we will present a comprehensive article
featuring: The rating formula with explanation; Rating correspondences;
Handicap guidelines; The ratings list; And many statistics and observations
made over the last 7 years.
        During our last review, a few years ago, the system could not have
been working any better! At EVERY handicap the % of wins for each player was
appropriate. Additionally, player ranks have been consistent with those
issued by japanese clubs.
        The DC Shogi Club sponsors or participates in only 3 to 4
even[hirate] tournaments during the year, whereas we have 6 or more
handicap[koma ochi] tournaments. This added dimension has given us plenty of
opportunities to see the system at work and I believe sets our system apart,
in that it works well both in even AND handicap play.
        Here are a few questions, primarily aimed at the European
individual(s) in charge of ratings: What rating formula do you use? How
often are handicaps used in European tournaments? Do you have statistics as
to results at each handicap? Or between players of different ranks? What are
your recommended handicaps? Are the active players drifting up or down? Do
you give "boosts" to players who are obviously underrated? What are your
requirements for promotion?
        More to come...
bye bye.

George I. Fernandez
2000 S. Eads St., Apt. #504
Arlington, VA 22202 USA
Telephone: (703)521-5107
E-Mail: fernandz <at> erols <dot> com