Re: [Bug-gnubg] Match statistics: Error rate per move/decision

[Scott Steiner]

Ned Cross wrote:
> 
> > on Wed, 10 Sep 2003 22:33:46 +0200 Scott Steiner wrote
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ------
> > Hi,
> >
> > the overall error rates (for: checker, cube, luck, overall) in the match
> > stats are given as a loss in equity points.  However, the corresponding
> > error rates per move/decision are given in equity points * 1000.  I'm
> > finding this a little confusing and it makes reading the stats a little
> > painful and I was wondering if this is a bug or if this has been done
> > purposely as I've noticed this behaviour only recently.
> >
> > Regards
> >
> > Scott
> > --------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ------
> >
> >
> >
> > I definitely agree, reading the stats in this format is extremely
> difficult,
> > I hope too this is not done on purpose :-))
> >
> > Olivier
> >
> 
> IIRC, this change was made about a month ago, to report error rates in
> millipoints per move, similar to the way Snowie reports them.
> 
> For me it took a little getting used to, but I think I prefer the new way.
> It's just more intuitive to think of the error rate per move as 5.5 (for
> example) than .0055.
> 
> Since most players will range between 2 and 30, the decimal point serves to
> distiguish clearly between world class play (2.0) and casual play (20.0).
> With the old presentation, seeing the difference between 0.0020 and 0.0200
> was much more difficult, IMHO.

I must admit that you have a good point here.  On the other hand, the
difference between 0.002 and 0.020 can also be seen instantly when one
glances at GNU's verbal rating i.e "World Class" vs. "Casual Player" or
whatever.  Personally, I find 0.002 more meaningful because it gives me
a better feel of my error rate i.e I know that I lost 0.002 equity
points per move which is very little and therefore I know I did well. 
However, if I score a 2.0 then the direct connention to equity points is
lost at first sight and I'm always finding myself asking "2.0 what"? 
Millipoints I know but the mapping is kind of lost and I need some time
to switch.

I don't know, maybe I just have to get used to it like you.  Maybe one
could include an option which lets the user determine the style of the
output?  IIRC, there is already an option which sets the number of
decimal points, so leaving the output format up to the user seems
already something that GNU is fundamentally intending to implement.  Any
thoughts?

Regards

Scott