Inconsistent DNA confirmation rules [closed]

Question

At the DNA Confirmation page we are told to include the MRCA and yet this rule does not apply to triangulated matches, which seems inconsistent to me.

A match based on 3rd cousins or less can confirm at least one of the MRCA pair, but not necessarily both, and so these should not be marked confirmed. (Half-cousins differ, of course.)

Comments

Here are a couple of discussions on this topic that may help:

• https://www.wikitree.com/g2g/1132937/marking-a-mrca-couple-as-dna-confirmed
• https://www.wikitree.com/g2g/821271/why-should-the-mrca-pair-not-confirmed-when-you-triangulate

John Kingman

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Aha, it's all about statistical probability. The statement: "If the DNA testing company has predicted that you and your match are third cousins or closer and this corresponds with your genealogically-known relationship, continue." ensures that 3rd cousins match the criteria.

Thanks for your answer.