![]() StartingPoints Referenced by Homepages
|
Shodan
Keywords: Go term
Shodan (初段) is the Japanese term for '1 dan', with Dan being the rating system for proficient players (think black belts in martial arts). The rating system for beginners is expressed in kyu grades, with absolute beginners usually starting somewhere between 25 and 30 kyu. A 10 kyu player is one grade stronger than an 11 kyu, and 1 kyu players are only one grade away from shodan. Confusingly enough the dan ratings are then counted in ascending order, with a 5 dan being one grade stronger than a 4 dan. The highest amateur rating is usually 7 dan, although Japan now recognises a few top amateurs as 8 dan. Although both amateur and professional players can sport a fancy dan rating, it is important to realise that a professional shodan is a lot stronger than an amateur shodan. In practice the amateur ratings are a useful way to agree quickly on an appropriate handicap at the start of a game. A difference of one grade corresponds to one handicap stone. When a 15 kyu meets a 9 kyu over the board, 6 stones should be the correct handicap to ensure both players have to play at their full strength and have an enjoyable game. --Stefan This is a copy of the living page "Shodan" at Sensei's Library. ![]() |