Where the Ladder Comes From
Ninth Grade to Ninth Dan: why YiBoard borrowed grades and dans from real Chinese board culture instead of bronze and platinum. Everyone starts at 1200, Sixth Grade.
Open the [leaderboards](/rankings) on YiBoard and you will find no bronze, silver or gold. Instead there are grades and dans: from Ninth Grade to Ninth Dan, with everyone starting at 1200, Sixth Grade. This is not something we invented; it comes from real Chinese board culture, used by Go and Xiangqi for centuries. Here is why we chose it and how it works.
What grades and dans are
The Chinese system has two segments. Grades run from Ninth Grade up to First Grade, covering beginner to proficient. Then Dans take over, from First Dan up to Ninth Dan, the professional top. Lower grade numbers are stronger within the grade band, but dans flip: First Dan is the entry, Ninth Dan is the summit. YiBoard starts everyone at 1200, Sixth Grade. Win and your score climbs; lose and it drops, and the score maps onto grades and dans.
Why not bronze and silver
- Culturally honest: this system already belongs to these games; bronze tiers are a western esports skin
- Semantically clear: Ninth Grade to Ninth Dan is a visible growth line, and dan names carry real weight
- Better discrimination: a 1200 start puts beginners and experts on one ruler with an obvious path
- Ecosystem-ready: it aligns with real chess clubs and other board game platforms later
How the score moves
Each match, the system compares your score with your opponent’s: beat a stronger player and gain more, beat a weaker one and gain less, and the reverse when you lose. Dans are not bought and never reset by a season; they are earned one game at a time. For the algorithm details see the [how-to page](/how-to), or check the [leaderboard](/rankings) to see who is on top right now.
FAQ
What does 1200 on YiBoard mean?
1200 is Sixth Grade, the starting point for everyone. Wins raise it, losses lower it, and the score maps to your grade or dan.
What is the difference between grades and dans?
Grades run Ninth to First; dans run First to Ninth. First Grade sits just below First Dan, and Ninth Dan is the top.
Does the score reset each season?
No. YiBoard’s rating is continuous, no season resets, your history belongs to you.
Is the rating system cheat-resistant?
Yes. Every move is server-validated and the rating mechanics make score dumping or farming detectable.