The second band of orange highlighted columns shows the ratings predictions for new Steinway model B grands; the second band of yellow highlighted columns shows the ratings predictions for new Mason & Hamlin model BB grands. Whereas the direct ratings show what the pianists claim to feel about the pianos, the ratings predictions show what they think the average ratings would be across all pianists.

The third band of orange highlighted columns (Delta scores) shows how well each pianist predicted the actual average Steinway rating in each category (touch, tone and overall quality). The third band of yellow highlighted columns (Delta scores) shows how well each pianist predicted the actual average Mason & Hamlin rating in each category (touch, tone and overall quality). Since a Delta score is the absolute difference between a prediction and an actual average, a low Delta score signifies that a prediction is good (i.e, is close to the actual average), whereas a high Delta score signifies that a prediction is poor (i.e., is far from the actual average).

The white (non-highlighted) band of columns show the Delta score sums for each pianist for each of the three categories (touch, tone, and overall quality). Each sum combines the two Delta scores (one for Steinway, one for Mason & Hamlin) achieved by each pianist in each category. For example, a low Delta score for Steinway touch plus a low Delta score for Mason & Hamlin touch would give a desirably low Delta score sum; whereas two high Delta scores or one low score and one high score would give a higher score that would be less desirable.

The pianist who obtains the lowest Delta score sum in the "overall quality" category shall win the first prize. The pianist who obtains the lowest Delta score sum in the "tone quality" category shall win the second prize. The pianist who obtains the lowest Delta score sum in the "touch quality" category shall win the third prize. Those pianists who obtain the 50 lowest Delta score sums for "overall quality" (exclusive of the very lowest score) shall win the fourth prizes. The "Contest Rules" pages contain more details - such as what would be done in the case of a tie.

Within a week following the tabulating of the ratings and the Delta scores, we will post a "Winners and Summary" page where we will officially proclaim the winners and review the results of the contest.