Dutch class system

   

In the Netherlands, several clubs still use the 'class' system that was invented when go was first introduced in Europe In the class system, each player is assigned a numerical grade (a class). The stronger the player, the lower this number is. Every traditional kyu or dan grade is represented by two classes. Class 18 and 19 represent 1d, class 20 and 21 represent 1k, etc.

The number of handicap stones under this system is equal to (d+1)/2, where d is the difference in class. If this gets to a half number, say 4.5 stones handicap, komi (usually 6 points) is used to get to a full handicap.

Examples:

  • If two 1k players of class 20 meet (class difference 0), handicap is (0+1)/2 = 0.5 (black starts, 6 points for white)
  • If a strong 1k (class 20) meets a weak 3d (class 15), handicap is (5+1)/2 = 3 (3 stones, no komi).
  • If the same 1k meets a strong 3d (class 14), handicap is (6+1)/2 = 3.5 (3 stones, 6 komi for black, or 4 stones, 6 komi for white).

Traditionally, no handicap over 9 stones is given. Instead, black receives any remaining handicap as points (6 points per class)

Examples:

  • A weak 3d (class 15) plays a strong 15k (class 48). Handicap is (33+1)/2 = 17. Which translates to 9 stones and 16*6 = 96 points.
  • A strong 1k (class 20) meets that strong 15k (class 48). Handicap is (28+1)/2 = 14.5. Which translates to 9 stones + 11*6 = 66 points.

The basis for first introducing this system seems to have been the fact that traditional handicaps are unfair in that they favor white by half a stone (see Proper Handicap and Rank and Handicap)


This is a copy of the living page "Dutch class system" at Sensei's Library.
(OC) 2007 the Authors, published under the OpenContent License V1.0.
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