Is your new year's resolution to play more go?
Is your new year's resolution to play more go/wei qi? Are u waiting to find a time to actually sit down and learn the game?
If you belong in one of these groups I've got a couple helpful tips for this year's aspiring beginners and budding go enthusiasts.
Due to the fact that we live in an English speaking nation(s) where this ancient game is only beginning to take root, it is difficult to find resources and learn the game the way one would in a country where go is popular and fully established. This is going to be a problem for those who have the aptitude for this game and to be good or very good at it. Your resources are limited and therefore your growth will be slower and you will have to spend more time and effort to gain the knowledge you require. Where do you look? What is the best source? Where the heck do I even find a well-qualified teacher? These are going to be issues you will run into.
So don't fret if you find you are not improving as quickly as someone from a trained background. They have ample resources, trained experts and teachers within their reach. Those in English speaking countries, however, do not.
This is a big reason i feel compelled to blog about this game. I know what it's like to have to start from scratch and not have a hand to hold with this game. It really is a fun, challenging and great game to play once you get in to it. It just takes some time, effort, concentration and patience. If you can do that you will grow to like this game and maybe even love it.
For aspiring beginners the best way to start learning the game is to go online and check out the official websites and information about go. You've got to do your research and be a self-starter, especially if you don't live in a country where the game is popular yet. There are guides, helpful articles, videos, blogs and you can begin playing the game online right away on an online go server.
To start here is a short list of several go associations:
Mexican association of go(in Spanish)
Don't stop here because there are more official go associations(by the country), content creators, streamers, books, videos, articles, blogs and more with fresh content coming out by the week. Try searching for them on a search engine and there should be at least some who will pop up.
I've got to say though, the feel of the stones and putting them on the board is an experience you don't want to miss as a go player. Eventually you can get to that(start by finding your local go club and you will be able to play a live game like how it's been played for centuries). But to play the game and learn basic moves, strategies and so on doesn't require an actual board and stones and one can actually begin that on the internet. After you learn the basics you can start to play online and in person. You can also play against the computer(a.i.) and learn from it.
Go is a creative game and playing against a machine versus a human will be different. Humans have personalities and it shines through in the game you play against each one. This is the fun part and you will see this as you get better and better. Once you start this journey you must remember that this is only the beginning. You've learned the rules and some or a lot of the basic moves to start the game but the journey of a go warrior is long and has many, many steps. I hope as a go player you will aspire to be a good one and maybe become one of the best in your country one day.
Want to know how to help your country know and invest more in this game? Learn it and be the best you can at it.
Maybe you've been playing on and off for a while and are now stuck as a double digit or single digit kyu player. This is not bad. It's okay to take breaks. Meanwhile keep up-to-date with go news, tournaments and other players, especially professionals. This will help you get back into things and stay motivated when you're ready again. Stay connected with your local club(s) so you have people to encourage you when you feel down. I played on and off for years before I got to where I am now where I love the game and can see myself playing it for many more years. Inspiration and discovery on the board will hit you and maybe when you least expect it. Don't let a bad streak get you down. It won't last as long as you persevere and do your best.
Comments
Post a Comment