Life In 19x19

current Strength ladder three main divisions? of (relatively stable) groups

Zhōngguó Qíyuàn pros
Hanguk Kiwon pros
-
Nihon Kiin pros
Female Hanguk Kiwon pros
Táiwān Qíyuàn Wénhuà Jījīnhuì pros
Female Zhōngguó Qíyuàn pros
Kansai Kiin pros
-
Female Táiwān Qíyuàn Wénhuà Jījīnhuì pros
Female Kansaii Kiin pros
-
Western pros (inclusive)

Perhaps in each generation western pros should focus on the division directly above them
(Although there's no reason to think these won't change)

I keep thinking about this, in background...

Besides those fuzzy server comparisons... is there something similar regarding Ama players? For example, I have the suspicion that Chinese 1d Ama are not specially stronger than EGF/AMA, but that Chinese 6d Ama are a force of nature.

Also, is there a reason why there's a single entry for Nihon Kiin? I assume when you say "Western, inclusive" you mean both AGA, EGF and both genders.

Take care.

6d amateur in China may be quite strong, but I heard than in recent years 5d amateur in China is all over the place. A strong Chinese 5d may give a weak Chinese 5d 4 stones or so.