STEP ONE: GoeBasics Video

  
  Even if you know nothing at all about go, this fifteen minute video will give you a clear idea of how to play.

STEP TWO: The Way To Go booklet

 
  Over the years the AGA has distributed thousands of copies of Karl Baker's wonderful introduction to the game, The Way To Go, to anyone who requested it by mail. You can view this version with Adobe Acrobat Reader, or print a copy on your printer. We changed the layout for this version to fit 8 1/2" x 11" paper.

The file is an Adobe Acrobat Reader document; if you don't have it download it for free here. (Internet connection required.).

The Way to Go tutorial also available as part of the Igowin software found in this CD's "Software" directory.

 

STEP THREE: Hiroki Mori's Interactive Way To Go

  
  OK, you've watched the movie, read the booklet, now it's time to build more advanced skills. Japanese go enthusiast Mori's The Interactive Way to Go is one of the most popular tutorials on the Internet, utilizing a "programmed learning" question-and-answer approach. Try the copy we've included on the CD; a more extensive version is available online.

At this point we hope you're playing already! If you don't have access to human opponents where you live, don't worry -- thousands of people are playing online right now, and if you've completed steps one and two, you're already stronger than some of them . . . . Click the "Internet Go" tab to find out how to play online.

 

SEVEN STEPS TO SHODAN

 
 

Serious players aspire to reach "shodan", a level of mastery similar to a black belt in the martial arts. No computer program has ever attained this level of mastery, but serious students have made it in a matter of months, often within two years. Top players recommend these steps to imrpove your play:

Step 1 - Play on the Internet: When you're ready to try your skills against a human opponent, just log onto one of the popular online go servers .

Step 2 - Play in person: Internet play has its advantages, but there's nothing like face-to-face play -- the cool heft of the stone in your hand, the satisfying click as it meets the board, the sweat on your opponent's brow. Click here to visit the online up-to-date list of clubs and AGA chapters in the US. If there's not one near you, don't despair -- someone near you plays go, or wants to learn! Click here to find a variety of posters, videos and other promotional materials right here on this CD you can use to find fellow go lovers in your community.

Step 3 - Get Equipment: You can get a decent playing set for the cost of a computer game, or you can spend more for special high-quality slate and shell stones and boards from beautiful wood. But good equipment is hard to find in the US. Many game stores carry poor imitations, if anything at all. The best equipment is imported from Asia. Click here to order online or by mail from US distributors of Asian equipment.

Step 4 - Take Lessons: If you haven't already found another local player or two, it's time to do so. There may even be someone in your community that is a stronger go player than you. If so, you have found a potential teacher! For formal instruction, you can also contact any of several American players with Asian professional credentials at this Internet link.

Step 5 - Study Life and Death : Most top players agree -- practicing life and death problems makes you stronger, at every level. Finding a way to kill the opponent's group -- or help your own to survive -- can decide the outcome. Even more often, sound play that leaves no vulnerabilities can give you the initiative to win. With a dozen problem collections available in English, you can easily tune up your skills. You can also find plenty of problem sites online.

Step 6 - Review Professional Games: Along with life and death, the other form of essential study is the review of professional games. You don't have to understand them -- just let them unfold, learn the flow of the stones. For game analysis, there are a dozen collections to choose from, and then there's Go World, a quarterly magazine featuring detailed analysis by top players. Click here to download several huge collections of game records, along with lots of other useful information.

Step 7 - Play in a Tournament : Competition isn't just for the top players. In the end, every player competes with him/herself, striving to become stronger. Tournaments offer great conditions for testing yourself, plus good fellowship and expanding your world of go acquaintances. Click the above link to find the latest listings at the AGA website. If there isn't one nearby, write to us at tournaments@usgo.org, and we'll help you make your own!