Do you judge people by their rank?

[topazg]

While I am willing to admit that a high ranked player may have some go-knowledge somewhere in his/her head, I don't believe that there has to be any relation between this knowledge and his/her ability to transfer said knowledge to someone else. I even doubt that the way he/she plays the game has to make sense for someone who does not already share his/her go-knowledge.

I agree. I would have said there is a correlation, it's just a rather loose one

[kokomi]

I think the wording of the question is a little loaded, so I'll try to be precise in my answer. Suppose I've just met strangers A, B, and C. If I find that person A plays go seriously, I'd be more inclined to like that person irregardless of rank (even 30k is fine). If I find that person B is "strong at go" (hmm, maybe 3 Dan+) I am more inclined to respect or look up to that person. If I find that person C knows vaguely about Go, but has no interest in it... Well, I'd feel basically neutral towards that person.

Maybe it's a subtle prejudice, but it's certainly there.

Perhaps the question is worded poorly. The reason is probably that I am surprised that people put so much weight on rank or strength, or whatever you want to call it. I cannot say that I am completely objective, but it is something that I want to aim for.

If a 9d tells me that a particular move is bad, I have a hard time trusting him, unless I can see the reason for myself. If I don't see the reason myself, I'm inclined to think that he is wrong... I'm not sure why. I thought that more people would share this mentality.

Maybe others do, but I've just worded the poll poorly.

If you are SDK, you may not understand what the 9P told you at all, considering in some cases he read 50 moves ahead of you.

[Chew Terr]

Interesting distinction. If a person is strong, it may be safe to assume that THEY know what they're talking about. =D

[rubin427]

Perhaps the question is worded poorly. The reason is probably that I am surprised that people put so much weight on rank or strength, or whatever you want to call it. I cannot say that I am completely objective, but it is something that I want to aim for.

If a 9d tells me that a particular move is bad, I have a hard time trusting him, unless I can see the reason for myself. If I don't see the reason myself, I'm inclined to think that he is wrong... I'm not sure why. I thought that more people would share this mentality.

Maybe others do, but I've just worded the poll poorly.

So that's a slightly different question than I answered.

Does a high rank(+6 stones) cause me to trust a stronger player's opinion about what's happening on the Go board (particularly in regards to my own games)?

If the advice is very general, such as "The problem I see in your game is that you choose to make territory in gote too often. Instead you should pressure your opponent's weak groups too keep sente." I am inclined to trust a general statement like that and start looking for opportunities to utilize the advice.

However, if the advice is very specific, such as "move 30 should have been at D-10. Yes, I trust that the stronger player has a very clear idea on why that move is better for him or her. But before I decide if it's the better move for me, I have to be able to understand the move (which sometimes just does not happen). Like others have hinted at, if the idea behind the move eludes me, then it is NOT the better move for me.

On top of that, I believe that Go players each have their own style. It's possible that the move suggested is good, but just not consistent with your style of play.

But, there are other times where a stronger player points out a specific move and I eventually "get it" and regret not making that move in my game.

Does a low rank(-6 stones) cause me to distrust a weaker player's opinion about what's happening on the Go board (particularly in regards to my own games)?

Yes, Always. (says the guy who qualified for the first round of the tournament. )

[Magicwand]

"i am pointing at the moon but people only stare at my fingertip."

when high dan say it is good or it is bad...dont concentrate on the answer.
rather listen for the reason.
two 9d may (rarely) disagree on good or bad.
but both can be right.

each has a reason behind why they think it is good or bad.
you can not say their reasoning is wrong.

if i (3d) say it is good and 5d say i am wrong then i am wrong on 5d level but i am right in 3d level.
if you can learn from my reasoning (althought it might be wrong) then there is plenty you can learn from magicwand.

i do sense some ill feeling and distrust towards my character throughout the forum.
but i am right 100% on 3d level.
just listen for my reasoning (if i give one) and try to understand and make that yours.
NOT MY ANSWERS. (NOT MY FINGER TIP)

[Nikolas73]

I also voted "other" and Magicwand summed it up very well. Of course I only "judge" people by their rank in Go (any other fields are mostly irrelevant to Go rank), and even then all I ever judge (using that word lightly, perhaps "consider" is a better term) is the validity/accuracy of their advice. Like Magicwand said, we can always learn from another player's reasoning.