From: SalvaAC AOL COM Date: 9 jan 2000 Subject: Re: Russian Japanese Handicap Match and Kyu-Dan Test In a message dated 1/9/00 7:24:27 AM Central Standard Time, sloan ISHIPRESS COM writes: << Larry feels that a fair handicap is one which gives the handicap receiver a 50% chance to win. However, I feel that a fair handicap is one which gives the handicap receiver the chance to learn something by losing a relatively close game, while giving both players the opportunity for an enjoyable and interesting experience. >> I know my own personal preference is to play games against slightly stronger opponents at even strength, knowing I will lose more games than I win, but seeing how my opponents beat me. I've played a couple of 4-dans here at hirate a number of times - I might have one once I think. But the games are close enough to allow me to see how they are beating me. The only handicaps I've ever played with a pro have been two-piece. I've never won, but again I've been shown many good points about my play and the small errors where I've overlooked something that cost the game. In a tournament, if it is labelled as "handicapped," then I would suspect that the handicaps should make the games more even, but the stronger player, just by virtue of being better, should really expect to win better than half the time, even if not by much. Tony