the chromosome browser at FTDNA

+6 votes
397 views
you know how, when looking at matches at GEDmatch, you have to check if the matches match each other, not just matching me, because some might be maternal matches and some might be paternal matches at that location.  I get that part, no problem.

How does it work on the chromosome browser at FTDNA?  I've just created a list of matches In Common With a cousin of interest. Some are bucketed with the maternal icon like the cousin of interest, some are bucketed paternal, and some are not bucketed at all.  How can i compare these matches directly with the cousin of interest to see if they really are a match with him?
in The Tree House by Shirlea Smith G2G6 Pilot (287k points)

1 Answer

+13 votes
There is no way for you, working alone, to identify true triangulation at FTDNA. You can always contact match X and ask them to search for match Y and tell you how they match each other. But without doing that, you cannot determine by yourself if X and Y match each other.

But you can get pretty close using the Matrix Tool. From the main dashboard, under Autosomal DNA Results & Tools, select "see more" and then select "Matrix." Search for the name of match X (you can use ctrl+f to do this) and then the "add button." Then do the same for Y. The matrix will appear below. You will see blue boxes with check marks if X and Y match each other. The matrix will just look plain, with empty white and grey boxes, if they do not.

So, this tool lets you determine if X and Y match each other. But if you match X on chromosome 1 say from positions 1-10million, and you match Y on chromosome 1 from positions 1-10million, the matrix does *not* tell you if X and Y match each other on that same chromosome. They could share a segment on some other chromosome that they received from some common ancestor they share that you don't, and the matrix won't tell you. Still, in my experience, that is a much rarer reason for X and Y to match than just them sharing that same segment so that you all triangulate.

IMO, the matrix tool is typically "good enough" to get convinced you have triangulation. But according to current WikiTree policy, it is not enough to use as a reason to mark "confirmed with DNA" in a WikiTree parental connection.
by Barry Smith G2G6 Pilot (297k points)

As Barry noted, you can't triangulate on FTDNA without help from one of the other testers.  See FTDNA Family Finder Triangulation for specific instructions.

Thank you, Barry and Kerry! That is very helpful.  I was wondering what i was missing.  It just isn't there.  

I'm feeling even more grateful for GEDmatch.

Cheers

Shirlea

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