AGA Caps Amateur Ranks At 7D
Chris Garlock | Published on 11/17/2008
The American Go Association Board of Directors last week approved a policy capping top ranks for amateurs at 7 dan, "with exception for rare honors for a small number of players with outstanding achievement, such as winning the U.S. Open twice." The new policy also notes that "Exceptions will be granted by the AGA President, under criteria developed through a public process, and approved by the President." The policy is a response to concerns about top amateur American ranks in relation to other countries at international events. Ranks are distinct from AGA ratings; click here for AGA Ratings Statistician Paul Matthews' article Inside The AGA Ratings System.