From: NOSOVSKY <stigma.ltd <at> G23 <dot> RELCOM <dot> RU>
Date: 9 jan 2000
Subject: Re: Russian Japanese Handicap Match and Kyu-Dan Test

>
>      I would like to point out that the fact that all ten handicap games
> were won by the handicap giver (the Japanese) does not necessarily mean
> that the Russian players are misranked.  Rather, it is further proof (not
> that more was needed) that the conventional rank vs. handicap equivalence
> is out of line with reality; the ranks now are rather wide, and a
> relatively large handicap is needed for what seems like a modest
difference
> in rank.  In my experience, to make things reasonably equal the handicap
> would be rook for two ranks, rook and lance for three, rook and bishop for
> four, and four piece for five.  No club in Japan uses such a severe
system;
> they seem content to let the stronger player win most of the time.
>

>      Larry Kaufman, amateur 5 dan
>
>
> Hi, I believe these handicap assignments are reasonable,
> so that, I recommend you should evaluate the real strength
> of your club members again more carefully .
>
> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> Dick Iwakura, a member of Java Shogi Committee
> Mail: dick <at> shogi <dot> ne <dot> jp
> http://www.shogi.ne.jp $B!! (B(JAVA Shogi)
> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
>

Dear friends
We have very simple explaining of this result.
Russian players are ussialy played equal games, without handicap.
So, for many of participants of the Match handicap games was first in their
life.
We need to compear our players strength with European 6-10 kyu, and it will
be possible to see is it corrected definition the strength of Russian
players or not.
Best Regards Alexander Nosovsky