Tartaglia wanted to publicly debate Cardan to raise his own position in the mathematical world and have the chance to get revenge. Cardan, well accomplished in several areas of mathematics, knew he would gain nothing and saw little need to respond to the modest mathematics professor's attacks. Ferrari, Cardan's student, took up the fight, exchanging letters with Tartaglia for a time, requesting a debate. Tartaglia finally accepted after receiving an offer of a new position at Brescia and wanting to improve his chances of getting the professorship. Although Tartaglia debated more regularly, Ferrari understood cubics and quartics better and was more successful. Tartaglia left the competition early, effectively conceding to Ferrari and later even losing his payment.