From: Pieter Stouten <stouten <at> SHOGI <dot> NET>
Date: 14 dec 2002
Subject: Ratings and grades (was: improve your shogi)

Hello Chiaki,

On 2002/12/13 at 7:46 -0800, you wrote:

>i think these discussions dont go anywhere...
>
As evidenced by the very lively discussion, people are interested in
ratings and grades, some even passionate. These discussions don't
necessarily have to go anywhere. People have discussions because they
like to, they play Shogi because they like to. I think that is good
enough a reason.

>the ratings and titles are one
>thing, while your shogi strength is another.  we all know that these
>measurements are very arbitrary and superficial after all.
>
I think that in general Elo ratings are a very good reflection of
strength and I think grades based on these ratings are a very good
reflection of sustained peak performance. If you have reason to
believe that that is not the case then please let us know, because
quite a few people do take ratings and grades seriously.

>if you have time talking about all these things, i think you can use
>it to think about how to improve your shogi.
>
People can play Shogi or organize Shogi or discuss Shogi or all of
these things or none of these things. It's up to them, I would think.

Ciao,

Pieter