Grade never advances on IGS!!??

[Kiguchiterrier]

Why is it so hard to go up in grade on IGS? I have won about 125 and lost 109, and I've been on like a 15 game winning streak. In my last game I even beat an 11k (I'm currently 15k). Is it something about the time setting? Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

[jeromie]

IGS has a pretty well defined ranking system (http://pandanet-igs.com/communities/pandanet/60). Note that unlike KGS and some other servers, you get a certain number of ranking points per win and lose a certain number per loss. Once you're out of the provisional rankings you'll have to win a lot of games to go up a rank - about 12 wins (with no losses!) per full stone. Also, games with players who have a rank more than 3.5 stones different from your own ranking don't award ranking points, so if you're playing games with an 11k they won't help you go up at all.

[EdLee]

Supplement to post 2:

Both IGS and KGS have very well defined ranking systems.

On IGS, you can see your exact rating number before a rated game, and afterwards. Your new rating after each rated game is very simple: basic addition for a win, basic subtraction for a loss.

[Kiguchiterrier]

Thanks a lot for the reply.