rank inflation

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Rank inflation or rank deflation is when a rank, or system of ranks, over time no longer represent the rank it originally represented. When the latter rank represents a higher rank than the former, then this is referred to as rank inflation. When the latter rank represents a lower rank than the former, then this is referred to as rank deflation.

In a system of players where rank inflation/deflation occurs the problem is usually solved by rebalancing the ranks and is a continual process. This solution is most common for online go servers. Most professional organizations do not rebalance older rankings, but instead change how newer rankings are gained in future events. This can often lead to a clear demarcation in ranks between generations of players. It also makes rank inflation/deflation easiest to observe and study by researchers and policy makers.

Rank inflation arguably occurs when there is a market for rank certificates, rank awards for achievements or self ranking without opportunities for demotion. Rank deflation is common when a growing / improving player population competes for a limited amount of rating points in a system, where rank is tied to rating.

The impact of rank inflation may be exaggerated by rating enthusiasts, who would like to strictly tie ranks to rating. There is, however, little evidence that these systems produce ranks that perform better for the purpose of determining even games and appropriate handicaps.


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