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January 6, 2003
In This Edition:
January 11: Arlington, VA
Winter Warmer
Allan Abramson 703-684-7676 mediate8@worldnet.att.net
January 11: Piscataway, NJ
Feng Yun Tournament
sponsored by the Feng Yun Go School, in conjunction with the AGA and the Ing Goe Foundation
http://attila.stevens-tech.edu/~lruss/feng_yun_tournament.htm
January 12: Piscataway, NJ
Feng Yun Youth Tournament
Sponsored by the Feng Yun Go School, in conjunction with the AGA and the Ing Goe Foundation
http://attila.stevens-tech.edu/~lruss/feng_yun_tournament.htm
January 18: Baltimore, MD
Fujitsu Finals & Amateur Tournament
Keith Arnold 410-788-3520 hlime@earthlink.net
January 18-20: Evanston, IL
4th Annual Winter Workshop with Guo Juan 5P
Mark Rubenstein 847-869-6020 mark@easyaspi.com
January 19: Boston, MA
MGA Winter Handicap Tournament
Don Wiener 617-734-6316 donwiener@earthlink.net
NOTE: this listing is not all-inclusive, featuring only upcoming tournaments
in the next month or events which require early registration.
For a complete U.S. listings, go to http://www.usgo.org/usa/tournaments.html
For the European Go Calendar see http://www.win.tue.nl/cs/fm/engels/go/tourn.html
"I just want to thank Michael Turk for making me aware of www.dashn.com, the Korean Baduk site (12/2/02 AGEJ)," writes Edward Calabrese. "I finally got around to going there and I was blown out of the water! A terrific site; two thumbs up! Timed life and death, some Baduk Go History, Pro events, and lots more. My thanks to both Turk and the E-Journal!"
SmartGo Buggy But Powerful?
"The free 9x9 version of SmartGo (AGEJ 12/23/02) has a bug which caused part of the board to be blanked out for at least the first half dozen or more moves," reports Milton Bradley, who adds that "I found the program to be extremely weak. It missed many elementary tesuji, and at the end I killed all of its stones." Bradley judges SmartGo weaker than either Igo Win or the 9x9 version of Handtalk "and based upon this, as a go teacher I would not recommend this program."
"That rare but annoying bug you're referring to will be fixed in the next version," promises SmartGo's Anders Kierulf, who says that "As a tool for recording, annotating, and analyzing, SmartGo is both more powerful and easier to use than any other go program. Like all go programs, we're working on its playing strength, but the breadth of features SmartGo provides makes it a great tool for teaching and learning."
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2003 Mind Sports Olympiad Set
The 2003 Mind Sports Olympiad has been scheduled for May 3-5 in Cambridge,
England. An Olympiad for "thinking" games, MSO competitors play each other
at a variety of well known strategy games, such as chess, bridge, checkers,
backgammon, Scrabble, Othello and, of course, go!
Check it out at http://www.msocambridge.org.uk/
Go Featured in Anime Monthly
The January issue (Vol. 11, No. 1) of Animerica Anime and Manga Monthly
contains a one page article entitled "What Is Go?" by Andy Nakatani, reports
Joel Sanet. "The author did a good job of describing the game's historical
and cultural significance given the small amount of space available to him.
The following page contains reviews of two manga (Japanese-style comics) in
which go plays a crucial role: Gojohden (Legend of the Go Maiden) and Volume
1 of Hikaru no Go. Animerica is published by Viz Communications, the same
company that publishes the English language version of Shonen Jump. Could
these articles be a precursor to the appearance of Hikaru no Go in an
expanded version of Shonen Jump, a
possibility previously reported in the E-Journal?"
Whole-Board Problems in New S&S Pub
Slate & Shell has published a fourth volume in the pocket sized series of
"Go Problems for Kyu Level Players." This volume is "Whole-Board Problems"
that are designed to lead you from a focus on local tactics to an awareness
of whole board strategy. Learn to assess local issues in terms of the entire
game situation--a key step in getting stronger. 44 pp, $5 at
http://www.slateandshell.com .
Kerwin Cancelled
The Kerwin workshop scheduled for January 31-February 2 in Gaithersburg, MD
has been cancelled. For info, contact Gordon Fraser at Gordon_Fraser@sra.com
Park is only nineteen but has risen to the top of professional Korean baduk (go) very quickly. In the three games she has lost, she was ahead initially, but Rui came from behind to win. Rui is very good at turning a close game into victory, while Park is known for her skill in attacking. Rui won the first two games, so the handicap was changed to Park playing Black in every game. Then Park won the fourth and fifth games, and the handicap was changed back to alternating Black and White.
Because it is a fast game (30 minutes basic time and three 30-second overtimes) it is very stressful for both players. According to Rui, "Pak Ji Eun is a hard opponent who is difficult to play against." Pak stated, "I don't want to lose, but I want to play comfortably."
Most pro players want to avoid this type of match because whoever loses can be hurt by the loss. Most people were surprised that both players agreed to this match. In an interview with Rui by Tygem she said it was a big honor to play in this match. In a similar interview, Pak said Rui would be a difficult opponent but she would do her best.
Pak Ji Eun is not afraid to play against stronger players. If Pak Ji Eun beats Rui Nei Wei then she can be a world-class player. Because many people are watching this match Pak Ji Eun can learn from the games, whether she wins or loses. In an interesting note, before the first match both players ate together; however, after losing the first match Pak Ji Eun wanted to concentrate on the game so they did not eat together before the second match.
The next game will be played on January 10. You can see pictures and articles (in Korean) at http://www.tygem.com/VEvent/ruipark/ruipark.asp .
- reported by Les Waller
CHINA:
Quarterfinal results from the 4th Chunlan Cup World Professional Go
Championship held in Shenzhen, China on 12/26/02: Hane Naoki 8p (Japan) beat
Cho Hunhyun 9p (Korea); Luo Xihe 9p (China) beat Yuki Satoshi 9p (Japan);
Chang Hao 9p (China) beat Cho U 7p (Japan); Lee Changho 9p (Korea) beat Zhou
Heyang 9p (China).
Semifinal Results (played on 12/28/02): Hane Naoki beat Luo Xihe Lee Changho beat Chang Hao. The final match (best of 3) between Lee Changho and Hane Naoki will be played sometime later this month. Right now, the favorite is of course Lee Changho 9p, who only needs this title to complete his World Champions' collection. Lee has won all other World competition except this one, and was runner up in the 1st Chunlan Cup. Past Chunlan Cup Champions: 1st: Cho Hunhyun 9p (Korea); 2nd: O Rissei 9p (Japan); 3rd: Yoo Changhyuk 9p (Korea).
- reported by Yuan Zhou
"It is not just a simple game; it is an important weapon in the revolution."
This statement is attributed to Che Guevara, the doctor turned revolutionary who challenged dictators in Cuba and throughout Central America in the 1960s. It appears on a t-shirt created by the folks at www.philosophyfootball.com, an English site for soccer fans. Naturally, the statement made me think of go, which has been such a revolutionary force in so many lives.
This "simple game" turns out to be surprisingly powerful. It's not just that we become addicted to it; it makes us better people, too. If more people played go, the world would surely be a better place. I still clearly remember how impressed I was when I discovered that the people at the Nihon Kiin are, in all seriousness, promoting go around the world as a way to bring about global peace.
A revolutionary force changes the way people think, as well as the way they act. Playing go certainly does both. "Have a plan, but be flexible." "Pay attention to the surrounding situations." "Let your opponent have something." Ideas like these become second nature to a go player, but are all too rare in other circles.
In order to become a better player I must have stronger opponents, so I try my best to make you a better player. For me to win, you do not have to be destroyed. Just think what the world would be like if that sort of attitude toward your competitors was more common. Instead of invading "evil" countries, perhaps we should be teaching their leaders to play go.
So the next time you introduce go to some kids at the local public school, remember: it's not just a simple game.
This is a delightful book of problems. It concentrates on two themes, ishi-no-shita (under the stones) and nakade (big eyes), and offers 91 wonderful problems to get you thinking. It must be admitted that many of the shapes are unlikely to occur in a game (although very few are so artificial as to appear contrived) but that does not detract from the beauty of some of the sequences. I found myself smiling with pleasure over and over when a problem was solved. Without doubt, there is a lot to be learned from this book, but it is not for the beginner. A sound knowledge of basic tesuji is required to appreciate it. You will probably have a thrill of excitement the first time you use one if these techniques in your own games. I would recommend it for high kyu and above.
By the time you read this, Chris Kirschner will have assumed the Presidency of a newly restructured AGA, with its first elected Board and a whole new operating structure. As I step down, I want to wish Chris the best of luck with his ambitious plans for the AGA.
I also want to thank all of you who have done so much for the AGA during the past five years. Together, we have accomplished a great deal. The AGA Summer Go Camp, the only such camp in the world, is now a reality. More material support is available to chapters and organizers than ever before. Our updated and expanded website attracts thousands of new first-time visitors every week. The E-Journal, with 5000+ subscribers and growing, is the most widely read English-language go publication in the world.
While accomplishing all of the above, we also increased the AGA's bank account by almost $100,000! But the real value of what we have accomplished can be seen in the AGA's growth. In January of 1998, when I assumed office, the AGA had slightly fewer than 1,000 full members and about fifty active chapters. Today, there are twice as many chapters, and more than 1,300 full members. Life membership has tripled, and it is especially gratifying to note a 50% increase in people who donate money to the AGA over and above their membership fees. Volunteers such as myself greatly appreciate this kind of extra vote of confidence.
None of this would have been possible without the team of able volunteers that I was fortunate enough to assemble. Chris Garlock, who redesigned and expanded the American Go Journal and developed the E-Journal, played a central role in the recent upsurge of memberships, especially with creative marketing strategies in the E-Journal. As Treasurer, Ulo Tamm played a key role in the fiscal improvements noted above, and in ways too numerous and complex to mention. Without Chapter Services Coordinator Bill Cobb, I am sure we would have nowhere near 100 chapters. And without Susan Weir and her dedicated team and successors, there certainly would be no Summer Go Camp. As Tournament Coordinator, Mike Bull worked with AGI President Ernest Brown and the Ing Foundation to bring the prestigious World Youth Goe Championship to Hawaii, one of many highlights during his long tenure. Database Coordinator Sam Zimmerman played his usual role, nearly invisible but always indispensable. And we all owe many thanks to other volunteers too numerous to mention here.
I hope to continue working to promote this wonderful game in the US, in my new role as webmaster and however else I can be of service. Every leader faces challenges, but even during difficult times, I have never forgotten this central truth: a growing, sustainable go community in the West will greatly enrich the lives of those fortunate enough to discover it. To those who understand the meaning of these words, I would add: Have a look at the AGA's new organizational chart at http://www.usgo.org/org/documents/aga_organization_chartv2.pdf . Somewhere on that chart is a job waiting for you. Discover the joy and rewards of working for American go!
FOR SALE: Play Go in your holiday! 10% off for all Go players at
www.shafston.com jamaica
(the owner, Frank Lohmann, is 13k on KGS; players name: shafston)
FOR SALE: Refrigerator Go sets for displaying (or playing) the game on the large laminated board attached to the metallic surface (for example, a refrigerator - see http://www.promptpublishing.com); $45 from Michal Lebl, storyspyder@aol.com
FOR SALE: Go boards made of 2.5" mahogany or pine, about 17X19", with 19X19 grid (cut with small saw, not drawn) and a 9X9 or 13X13 grid on the back. Sanded and waxed, without feet. $260 ea or $170 ea for 10 or more. Jim Thomas; waldomesa@cybermesa.com
WANTED: Copy of the go novel "First Kyu." Mark Lybrand; maryesme@shore.net
WANTED: MasterGo Team volunteer to enter data into a player biography database. No pay but get your name on the MasterGo website and, possibly, get a free copy of the program. Charles G. Robbins, crobbins@ctipc.com
WANTED: Human Resources Coordinator for the American Go Association. Help write & edit job descriptions, assist the AGA to seek & screen volunteers, & guide energetic volunteers into satisfying positions.Email chrisk.aga@attbi.com. Or call 206-579-8071 between 7:30A and 11:30P Pacific time.
WANTED: "All About Life and Death, Volume 1," by Cho Chikun; "The Breakthrough to Shodan," by Naoki Miyamoto. John Pinkerton, john.pinkerton@watsonwyatt.com
WANTED: Issues of 'Go World' from the past couple of years. Prefer someone who has several issues to offer. sfragman@netvision.net.il
Got Go stuff to sell, swap or want to buy? Do it here and reach more than 5,000 Go players worldwide every week at Go Classified! Send to us at journal@usgo.org
Ratings are on the web! Check the website; http://www.usgo.org for the full list.
GET YOUR TOURNAMENT RATED! Send your tournament data to ratings@usgo.org
AGA Board of Directors
Dave Weimer (Chair): Shusaku@charter.net
Chen-dao Lin: cdlin@alum.mit.edu
John Stephenson: Jcs@wingsgoclub.org
David Dinhofer: David.dinhofer@alum.mit.edu
Harold Lloyd: Hlloyd@core.com
Bob O'Malley: Omalley@OCE.ORST.EDU
Jon Boley: Jon@airsltd.com
To make name or address corrections - notify us at the email address below.
Story suggestions, event announcements, Letters to the Editor and other material are welcome - subject to editing for clarity and space -- and should be directed to:
Editor: Chris Garlock
email: journal@usgo.org
Voice: 202-857-3410
Fax: 202-857-3420