A key part of the algorithm covers the players' first few matches (first 8 or up to 3 months) where it is trying to set their starting level. After that, the algorithm is adjusting their level up or down after each match they play going forward. It's really important that the starting level is right so they are off and rolling right from the start.
For these first few matches, the algorithm is working out their average playing level based on the levels of the other three players and the result of each match. Generally it will adjust the starting levels of both partners so it settles down to a sensible level for both players but, it's possible for the club admin to override a starting level for one of the partners with what we call an anchor level and that fixes the player to that level even if the system disagrees.
This can catch the algorithm out because if, say, the team's starting level should be higher and one of the players is anchored to a low level then it's the unanchored player who has to take up the slack and they can end up way too high. This has happened to a few players and we need to do something about it.
We are changing the algorithm to limit how far apart the partners can be when setting their starting levels to a ratio of 1.5:1 (unless it's a mixed match) and that will simply limit how far apart these players can be - even if one of them has been anchored wrongly. That should stop the non-anchored player ending up with a crazy level!
This change will affect a few players significantly (hopefully only the ones that are currently wrongly levelled) but not affect the majority too much.