How to Read the Gomoku Rank System
Gomoku uses a grade/dan system rooted in Chinese board game tradition. This guide explains how YiBoard’s ranking works, what 1200 points means, and how to track your progress.
When you open YiBoard’s rankings, you will not see bronze, silver, or gold. Instead, you will see grades (级) and dan (段) — a system that has been used in Chinese board games for over a thousand years. Everyone starts at 1200 points, which corresponds to 6th grade (六级). This guide explains how the system works and what your score means.
The grade and dan system
The Gomoku ranking system has two parts:
- Grades (级位): from 9th grade (weakest) to 1st grade (strongest). Numbers go down as you get better.
- Dan (段位): from 1st dan to 9th dan. Dan is the professional tier, with 9th dan being the highest.
YiBoard starts everyone at 1200 points / 6th grade. Wins add points, losses subtract them. The exact point movement depends on the rating difference between players — beating a higher-rated opponent gives you more points than beating a lower-rated one.
What 1200 points means
1200 points is the starting point for everyone. It is not a measure of skill — it is a neutral baseline. After your first few games, your score will reflect your actual ability relative to the community.
Score ranges at a glance
- Below 1000 · 7th–9th grade — beginner, learning the basics
- 1000–1200 · 6th–5th grade — intermediate, understanding openings
- 1200–1400 · 4th–2nd grade — advanced, consistent winner
- 1400–1600 · 1st dan — expert, tournament-level play
- Above 1600 · 2nd–9th dan — master level, rare in casual play
How to improve your rank
- Study standard openings: Hanagetsu and Umezuki are the most reliable for Black.
- Play regularly: consistency matters more than intensity. Three games a day beats ten games once a week.
- Review your losses: understand why you lost before playing the next game.
- Use the YiBoard board to test shapes: practice winning patterns without playing a full game.
FAQ
Is the Gomoku rank system the same as chess rating?
No. Chess uses a single Elo number. Gomoku uses a hybrid system: a point score that maps to grade/dan ranks. The point system is more granular and easier for beginners to read.
Can I see my rank history?
Yes. YiBoard tracks your score history and shows your rank progression over time. Check the rankings page for detailed stats.
Do forbidden moves affect ranking?
Forbidden moves only apply to Black in rulesets that use them. They affect your win rate and therefore your points, so learning them is essential for reaching higher dan ranks.