Go Ranks


Think of a Number Line




  • The ranking system in GO is the same ranking system as in Karate and in many arts, sports and games Japan, China and Korea.
  • If you imagine a number line, it will help you to visualize this ranking system.
  • But on their numberline, as in many ancient number lines, there is no Zero.

    Kyu and Dan








  • Lower ranks are called KYU and are represented on the negative line. KYUs get LARGER as their rank falls. In Japanese, KYU means "step" and is pronounced like "cue".
  • Higher ranks are called DAN and are represented on the positive line. DANs get LARGER as their rank rises. In Japanese, DAN means "level" and is pronounced like "Ron". For more, see Sensei: Dan
  • Each art has a different starting point on the left. In GO, a brand new beginner starts at 30 kyu (abbreviated 30 k).
  • The highest amateur rank is 9 Dan (abbreviated 9d). See: Highest 100 KGS players

    The Whole Picture



  • Finally, we add the "Professionals" or "P" rank. These players make a living by playing and teaching GO.
  • Professional have their own ranking system but as a general rule, a 1 P is sometimes equivalent to a 7 dan.
  • Kyu Ranks are divided easily into Single and Double Digit Kyus -- though this is an arbitrary division and it is best to consider kyu players as beginners. As in Karate, it is not until someone is a 1 Dan ("Black Belt", or "ShoDan") is one considered to have mastered the basics and to begin truly studying the art.
  • Note: Ranks are received by algorithms used on Servers or in Tournaments. There is no agreement on the best algorithm, thus ranks very between Servers.
  • For more, see Sensei articles: Rank, Ranking Systems, and Rank Equivalents.


    Why Have Ranks