The Four Stages Of DUPR Grief
DUPR acceptance follows a predictable four-stage progression — rejection, investigation, negotiation, acceptance. The data suggests no known cure.
After reviewing hundreds of recreational player conversations, tournament registrations, and Facebook comment sections, I have concluded that DUPR acceptance follows a predictable four-stage progression.
Stage 1: Rejection
The player receives a rating.
The player immediately determines the rating is incorrect.
Common responses include:
- “The sample size is too small.”
- “It doesn’t know my game.”
- “I wasn’t trying in those matches.”
At this stage, faith in the rating system remains surprisingly high.
The player simply believes the system has malfunctioned specifically in their case.
Stage 2: Investigation
The player begins researching.
Matches are reviewed.
Opponents are analyzed.
Charts appear.
Several players enter what researchers call the Spreadsheet Phase.
This phase may last months.
Stage 3: Negotiation
The player develops a new explanation.
Examples include:
- “I’m actually between ratings.”
- “I’m a tournament 4.0.”
- “I’m a practice 4.0.”
The rating remains unchanged.
Stage 4: Acceptance
The player finally embraces the number.
This stage typically occurs three days before the rating increases.
The cycle then begins again.
Current data suggests no known cure.