Hello and apologies for the long absence. Just now I played 2 games against COSUMI online baduk computer program. In the first one, I took 8 stones of handicap and won by 135 points. In the second, I gave the program 8 stones and it beat me by 117 points. Based on this, how many kyu in rank difference would there be between me and COSUMI? Much obliged in advance.

Probably less than 8.

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Why don't you play it without handicap stones?

All you know at this point is that your "ranging shots" are too wide. As suggested, try an even game if you have no additional information. Remember though, because you are playing against a computer program, margin of victory may not be very relevant. So in adjusting the number of handicap stones up or down, go just by who won, not by how much.

If Joe can kill Fred if only Joe has a rocket launcher, and Fred can kill Joe if only Fred has a rocket launcher. who would win in a fist-fight?

I guess it would be easier to know my probable rank relative to COSUMI if I can know the supposed playing strength of the program on 19x19. (It is much stronger on the smaller boards, so no need to go there.) I'll try out Mike's advice and see by how much I win or lose.

Well, I played as Black in an even game against COSUMI and lost by 38 points, excluding 6.5 points komi. With komi it's 44.5 points of loss. Below is the game record.



As you will see in the game record, I still need work on my fuseki and early middle game skills. Any SDK and dan-level players are welcome to give their opinions on this.

Based on this game alone, what is the minimum handicap that I should take from the program? Much obliged in advance.

Try taking four stones. Depending on who wins or loses, that should narrow it down considerably.