Hyperpapeterie/Rank and Rating FAQ

For quick reference on KGS, when people are asking silly questions. I tend to answer their questions, and this wastes my time. I'm in charge of this page, but if you know more than I do, feel free to contribute (ditto for spelling, grammar, whatever else...). Some places I've put questions because I don't know the answer.

=Professionals=

• Four countries have professional go associations: China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan. There's actually two go associations in Japan, the Nihon Ki-in and the Kansai Ki-in.
• The normal way to become professional is to play in a professional qualification tournament.
• The countries typically have age limits for players becoming professional. In China and Korea, I think the limit is 18 (What is Japan's?). Exceptions to the limit have been granted to Westerners.
• It is possible to become a professional by winning the World Amateur Go Championship, even for players who are older than 18. See Sakai Hideyuki. At least one of China and Korea allow this route, perhaps both.

=Pros vs. Amateurs=

• Short story: the pros are better. But some amateurs are competitive. See ProAmHoninboMatch or AmateursVersusProfessionals which contains a long list of games between professionals and amateurs.

*

Probably only players with ratings above 9.0 in

=The US=

• The AGA doesn't officially give ranks, only ratings, which correspond to dans. Everyone calls them ranks, or refers to players being "1 dan" because it's a heck of a lot more convenient.
• The highest ratings are usually above 9. Feng Yun was once rated more than 10.

=Europe=