[ View Thread ] [ Post Response ] [ Return to Index ] [ Read Prev Msg ] [ Read Next Msg ]

BGonline.org Forums

Convergence

Posted By: Chuck Bower
Date: Friday, 8 July 2011, at 1:29 p.m.

In Response To: How to improve backgammon: Adopt a world ranking system like tennis or golf (Jason Lee)

As long as there is SOME mixing, which can come via side events (if those are to be rated, and why not), it's really just a question of rate of convergence. It's going to be slow.

Can even that be proven, mathematically? Is it possible to construct a (counterexample) model where the cross-pollination is so minimal that no amount of time would guarantee convergence? And if so, is that model extreme? Does it require closed systems?

Take UBK's example and modify it. Let's say you have two groups, Open and Intermediate who generally just play within their skill group. (Let's make it a local club and assume everyone plays every week so you experience on the order of 100 matches per year.) But once per year (holiday time) there is a challenge where the open players pair up against the intermediate players in a round robin (so every match that night is open v. intermediate). Assume all of these players have drunk from Ponce de Leon's aquifer. :) Will there eventually be a convergence?

Messages In This Thread

 

Post Response
Your Name:
Your E-Mail Address:
Subject:
Message:

If necessary, enter your password below:

Password:
 

 

[ View Thread ] [ Post Response ] [ Return to Index ] [ Read Prev Msg ] [ Read Next Msg ]

BGonline.org Forums is maintained by Stick with WebBBS 5.12.