Genetic distance of 3

[sbrobin]

I only have one YDNA match based on 37 markers, with a genetic distance of 3.

1. Can I see the actual allele values for that match?
2. Since that match has a different surname than my YDNA test subject, does that mean the match is probably very distant from me and not worth investigating? And what is the possible reason for having a different surname on a YDNA test other than something like adoption?

Thanks for any help.

[vinnie]

There are only two ways to see the values - contact the person and ask him to share them with you, or find his record in ySearch - if he's added them there.

Yes, a gd of 3/67 is definitely worth looking into. Different surnames could also reflect the taking of different family names by different branches of a family during the period of surname acquisition.

[nathanm]

I only have one YDNA match based on 37 markers, with a genetic distance of 3.

1. Can I see the actual allele values for that match?
2. Since that match has a different surname than my YDNA test subject, does that mean the match is probably very distant from me and not worth investigating? And what is the possible reason for having a different surname on a YDNA test other than something like adoption?

Thanks for any help.

Look for that match in the appropriate surname or haplogroup projects. The results pages in those show the full haplotypes. Or as vinnie suggested, they might be in Ysearch. You can upload your results there (the link's under Tools at the bottom of the menu in the left-hand column), then compare against the Ysearch database. If the same match is in that database, it'll show both your haplotypes. And you may find more matches who uploaded their results from other testing companies.

Besides NPE (adoption, illegitimacy, infidelity, etc.), different surnames can mean either your MRCA was before surnames were commonly used, or one of your ancestors changed their surname for some reason.