Go in Print

This is a briefly annotated list of every English-language go publication that we have ever encountered. If you know of an item that isn't listed, tell us -- even better, send us a copy! Hundreds of books, magazines, movies and other media are listed here. For more information on a selection:

Size and Format: We have included page numbers in each listing, as well a notation of the book's format:

In this document:

NEW AND NOTEWORTHY

Learn Go
by Neil Moffatt
Moffatt, a kyu level player, has aspiring newcomers in mind as he explains the basics stpe by step with a separate diagram for each play, to help the reader visualize what's happening more clearly. Click the title above to see sample pages. Large format, 123 pp. (Amazon , Barnes and Noble)

Games of Go
by Neil Moffatt
 Moffatt applies his "one move per diagram" approach to the analysis of twelve games in complete detail. Click the title above to see sample pages. Large format. 218 pp. (Amazon , Barnes and Noble)

Magic Of Go Series Volume I: Magic of Placements
 by the Nihon Kiin
The Japan Go Association produced this series of instructional books. Volume One focuses on moyo invasion and reduction techniques. Full size format, 328 pp. (Yutopian)

Kamakura
by John Fairbairn
The Kamakura jubango (ten-game series) between Go Seigen and Kitani Minoru was one of the greatest matches of the twentieth century. Fairbairn draws on numerous sources, most not available in English, to analyze the games and provide detailed cultural and historical background information. Large format. ( Slate and Shell)

The Go Companion
by John Fairbairn and T. Mark Hall
The co-authors of The GoGOD Encyclopedia and Database have combined some of GoGOD's best essays with mostly original material to present a unique view of the history and culture of the game. Large format. ( Slate and Shell)

Workshop Lectures, Vol IV
by Yi-lun Yang
Topics include "Good And Bad Shape," "When To Play Slow Or Fast," "Playing A Fighting Opening" and " Destroying Large Or Nearly Completed Positions." Full size format, 72 pp. ( Slate and Shell)

Workshop Lectures, Vol V
by Yi-lun Yang
Topics include "Choosing Areas In The Opening," Handling Unusual Opening Moves" and "Protecting A Position.". Full size format, 79 pp. ( Slate and Shell)

Workshop Lectures, Vol VI
by Yi-lun Yang
Topics include discusses "Entering The Middle Game," "Attacking Severely," "Dealing With A Moyo, and "Playing With And Against The San-Ren-Sei" . Full size format, 76 pp. ( Slate and Shell)

Inspiration Of Pro
by Sung-rae Kim
More than 300 full-game problems for the serious student.. 187 pp. Full size format. (Slate and Shell)

Baduk Made Fun and Easy Volume II
by Chi-hyung Nam
More essays on topics of generest for beginner and mid-level players by Prof. Nam, viewing the game as "a voyage, struggle and a life." 208 pp. Full size format. ( Slate and Shell)

Master Play: The Style Of Go Seigen
by Yuan Zhou
A top American player and avid student of the game analyzes the style of the historic figure. ( Slate and Shell)

Master Play: The Style Of Lee Chang-ho
by Yuan Zhou
Mr. Zhou continues his series with this analysis of the winner of more international tournament than anyone. ( Slate and Shell)

Master Play: The Style Of Takemiya
by Yuan Zhou
Here Mr. Zhou studies a unique and compelling player, "Cosmioc" Takemiya. ( Slate and Shell)
by Keigo Yamashita
Yamashita retraces his career, analyzing ten games in detail to show how he has shifted from "attacking to capture stones" to "attacking to gain an advantage, and Kikuchi Yasuro analyzes his style through another dozen games.( Slate and Shell )

Shuko: The Only Move Volume I
The Joseki/Fuseki Collection
by Fujisawa Shuko
A famous player presents opening positions from eighty of his most interesting games, in a "Next Move?" problem format. 216 pp. Full size format. (Slate and Shell)

Shuko: The Only Move Volume II
Fighting Middle Game Collection
by Fujisawa Shuko
A famous player presents eighty of his most interesting middle games, in a "Next Move?" problem format. 216 pp. Full size format. (Slate and Shell)

Top European Players Training
Six top Europeans play twelve games and discuss what they were thinking. Published by the EGF to raise funds to train top Europeanst. Full size format. (Slate and Shell)

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GETTING STARTED

The Way to Go
 by Karl Baker
 Download and print this free brief introduction to the game (46 pages) developed by the AGA, intended for the complete beginner, available online.

Learn to Play Go
by Janice Kim
 This series of introductory books, U.S. pro Janice Kim 3-Dan, is based on lessons from her teacher, Korean professional Jeong Soo-hyun 9 Dan. Full size format. (Samarkand).
Click here to read the E-Journal review of the series.

Go! More Than a Game
by Peter Shotwell
A game-oriented approach to learning the game along with an anthropological look in depth at the game's fascinating history. Full size format,181 pp. (Tuttle)
Click here to read an E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal review.

Go Basics
by Peter Shotwell
Shotwell's second book from Tuttle focuses on 9x9 go to introduce concepts and strategies for new players in an easy to follow way. Includes the AGA "Go Starter CD" with lots of resources. 154 pp. Full size format. (Tuttle)
Click here to read an E-Journal review.

Beginning Go
by Peter Shotwell
Shotwell's third book uses small and full size games to focus on how to tell when the game is over; what lives and what dies; and how to score the game. Full size format.  (160 pp.) (Tuttle )

The Book of Go
by William Cobb
An introduction to go through the "Capture Game" method, which Cobb learned while training as an International Go Instructor in Japan. Includes boxes of plastic stones and a 9x9/13x13 board. Full size format, 124 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Teach Yourself Go
by Charles Matthews
A systematic and thorough introduction. Part of NTC Publishing Groupís Teach Yourself series. Full size format, 212 pp.

Go - A Complete Introduction to the Game
by Cho Chikun
One of Japan's top pros wrote this introduction; chapters describing the history, cultural significance, possible relation to intelligence and other aspects of go are interspersed with descriptions of how to play. Small format, 170 pp. (Kiseido)

Learn Go
by Neil Moffatt
Moffatt, a kyu level player, has aspiring newcomers in mind as he explains the basics stpe by step with a separate diagram for each play, to help the reader visualize what's happening more clearly. Click the title above to see sample pages. Large format, 123 pp. (Amazon , Barnes and Noble)

Games of Go
by Neil Moffatt
 Moffatt applies his "one move per diagram" approach to the analysis of twelve games in complete detail. Click the title above to see sample pages. Large format. 218 pp. (Amazon , Barnes and Noble)

Baduk, Made Fun and Easy Volume I
by Chi-hyung Nam
A collection of introductory essays by Ms. Nam, a professor at Myung-ji University Department of Baduk Studies, presenting go as "a harmony, contsruction and an art." 222 pp. Full size format. ( Slate and Shell)

Baduk Made Fun and Easy Volume II
by Chi-hyung Nam
More essays on topics of generest for beginner and mid-level players by Prof. Nam, viewing the game as "a voyage, struggle and a life." 208 pp. Full size format. ( Slate and Shell)

WeiQi in Culture
Volume 1: Introductory Teaching Lectures
 by Wu Song-sheng 9-Dan
Mr. Wu, a top Chinese player since the 1960's, intersperses essays about the value of go with a description of the game for the complete beginner. Full size format, 84 pp. (Yutopian)

Go Pack
by Matthew Macfadyen
Includes The Game of Go (128 pp.), an introduction by British champion Matthew Macfadyen, and equipment.

EZGO: Oriental Strategy in a Nutshell
by Bruce and Sue Wilcox
 A lighthearted, highly readable romp through Bruce Wilcox's "Instant Go" theories, in his unique style. Full size format,266 pp. (Ki Press)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

EZGO: An Overview
The essence of Wilcox's beginner theories, in a free download!

Master Go in Ten Days
by Xu Xiang and Jin Jiang Zheng
All the fundamentals in ten chapters, including extended analysis of three famous games. A standard text for aspiring players in China. Full size format,172 pp. (Yutopian)

Go for Beginners
by Kaoru Iwamoto
Written by a top-ranking Japanese professional who devoted himself wholeheartedly to spreading go in the West. Small format, 160 pp. (Pantheon/Random House)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Let's Play Go!
by Yasutoshi Yasuda
Written specially for children by the author of Go as Communication (see "Other books" below), who has been teaching go to children in Japan for many years. Full size format, 74 pp. (Slate and Shell)

Go For Kids
by Milton N. Bradley
A detailed introduction interspersed with cartoons, intended especially to engage a young audience. Full size format,250 pp. (Yutopian)

A Scientific Introduction to Go
Ing Foundation Director Yang Yu-chia has written a unique introductory book, a large format, soft cover "Whole Earth Catalog" of go, stuffed with useful insights, interesting information and a new way of expressing the basic concept of the game to the Western beginner. Oversize format, 288 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read an E-Journal review.

How to Play Go
by Takagawa Shukaku
 A classic introduction by the legendary master who held the Honinbo, Japan's top title, for almost 10 years. (Out of print)

Vital Points of Go
by Takagawa Shukaku
 A companion volume to How to Play Go, with deeper descriptions of the fundamental principles. (Out of print)

Go and Go-Moku: the Oriental Board Games
by Edward Lasker
First published in 1934, this classic has been overshadowed by several recent excellent books for beginners, but probably did more than any other book to put go "on the map" in America in the mid-1900s. Lasker, a grandmaster of chess himself and the nephew of the great Emanuel Lasker, was one of the founders of the American Go Association. Small format, 215 pp. (Dover)

The Game of Go: The National Game of Japan
by Arthur Smith
Originally published by Charles E. Tuttle Company, Inc., 1956, this book may still be found here and there, although Tuttle has replaced it with Go: More Than a Game (see above). (Out of print)

The ABC of Go
A complete review of this out-of-print introduction by Walter De Havilland, the father of Olivia De Havilland and Joan Fontaine. (Out of print)

Invitation to Go
by John Fairbairn
A short (81 pp) introduction by the esteemed british writer. Small format. (Dover)

A Go Primer
by Gilbert Rosenthal
n introductory monograph circulated in the US in the 1940's. Oversize format, 81 pp. (Out of print)

Go: The World's Most Fascinating Game
by the Nihon Kiin
The Japan Go Association's official English language introduction to the game, updated in 2003. Full size format, 189 pp. Available from the Nihon Kiin.

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GETTING SERIOUS

The Second Book of Go
by Richard Bozulich
 Aiming to fill the gap between introductory books for the total beginner and instructional materials aimed at more experienced players, this book spells out the basics. The four-volume Graded Go Problems for Beginners was written specifically to accompany this book. Full size format,122 pp.(Kiseido)
Click here to read an E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal review.

Graded Go Problems for Beginners (Four Volumes)
by Kano Yoshinori
Over 1500 problems in all that will help new players reach mid-kyu strength. Full size format. (Kiseido)
Click here to read an E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal review.

Elementary Go Series (7 volumes)
Seven volumes covering all aspects of the game, designed to bring the novice player up through the kyu ranks toward dan-level. A generation of go players has cut its teeth on these books. Small format. (Kiseido)

Mastering the Basics (six volumes)
Kiseido's latest series aims to strengthen the reader's grasp of fundamentals by reinforcing lessons from The Elementary Go Series with lots of problems. Full size format,(Kiseido)

Get Strong at Go (ten volumes)
This series, designed for more advanced study, sets forth fundamental concepts and illustrates them with dozens of problems. Full size format. (Kiseido)

Nihon Kiin Small Encyclopedia
from the Nihon Kiin
Translations of the popular Japanese "Quick Sudy"series. Full size format. (Yutopian)

Speed Baduk for Beginners
Volume I
Volume II
Volume III
Answers to Problems Vol I, II & iII
by Sung-Rae, Kim Pro 1 dan
Problem-oriented format intended to express complex concepts in simple terms, over 500 pages in all. Answers sold separately. Oversize format. (Yutopian)

Train Like a Pro
Volume I
Volume II
Answers to Problems Vol I & II
by Sung-Rae, Kim Pro 1 dan
Problem-oriented format intended to express complex concepts in simple terms, over 350 pages in all. Oversize format. (Yutopian) (Slate and Shell)

The Heart of Go Discovery Series
Top Japanese pros address the needs of the average player. Published by Hinoki Press. Full size format. (Slate and Shell)

Volume 1: Perceiving the Direction of Play
by Kobayashi Satoru
A top pro tells how to decide where to develop next in the opening. 225 pp. ( Slate and Shell)

Volume 2: Catching Scent of Victory
by O Rissei
A top pro tells how he made it to Kisei. The first section focuses on the opening; the rest explores the middle game, often continuing with the same games shown previously The second of seven volumes in the popular Japanese series "The Heart of Go Discovery Series" 225 pp. Full size format. ( Slate and Shell)

Volume 3: Otake's Secrets of Strategy
by Otake Hideo
The "revered elder figure" of the famed Kitani Dojo sets forth his own "Ten Commandments of Go", then demonstrates them in action, first with illustrations from typical amateur games, then with examples from famous games throughout history. 254 pp. Full size format. ( Slate and Shell)

Volume 4: Changing One's Conceptions: Awaji's Aphorisms
by Awaji Shuzo
Awaji's proverb-oriented teaching style, and tales from his"cram school" for amateurs. 262 pp. Full size format. ( Slate and Shell)

Volume 5: The Way of Creating a Thick and Strong Game
by Naoki Hane 9P
"Use thickness to attack", the proverb says, but Hane takes a different approach. 254 pp. Full size format. ( Slate and Shell )

Volume 6: Zone Press Park
by O Meien
A strange book mixing humor with philosophical insight; the author adopts the term "zone press" from soccer to express his unique approach to the game. 254 pp. Full size format. ( Slate and Shell )

Volume 7: Breakthrough Attacking Power
by Keigo Yamashita
Yamashita retraces his career, analyzing ten games in detail to show how he has shifted from "attacking to capture stones" to "attacking to gain an advantage, and Kikuchi Yasuro analyzes his style through another dozen games.( Slate and Shell )

Lessons in the Fundamentals of Go
by Toshiro Kageyama
Highly readable and entertaining, accessible to all players, but with deeper meaning for stronger players, who tend to return to the book again and again. Small format, 268 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read an E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal review.

Step Up To A Higher Level
by Abe Yoshiteru 9-Dan
Test your skill with this series of 150 problems. Includes sections on the opening, capturing, shape, life and death, and the endgame. Full size format, 156 pp. Full size format,(Yutopian)

The Breakthrough to Shodan
 by Miyamoto Naoki
 Every beginner's dream is to become shodan, or master. Reaching shodan is equivalent to receiving an "Expert" rating in chess. This book focuses specifically on technical problems that often plague the near-master-level player. Full size format, 158 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Pure and Simple: Takao's Astute Use of Brute Force
by Takao Shinji
The author, who won the Honinbo and Meijin in the same year, explores the concept of thickness. 220 pp. Full size format. ( Slate and Shell)

Come Up to Shodan
by Rin Kaiho
A great champion takes a brief look at the skills you will need to earn your "black belt" in go. This series of articles originally appeared in Go Review a monthly English-language magazine published by the Japan Go Association in the 1960's. Full size format, 42 pp. (Slate and Shell)

Basic Techniques of Go
by Haruyama and Nagahara
Excellent chapters on 9-, 6-, and 4-stone handicap go, as well as sections on tesuji and endgame play. Full size format, 169 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Strategic Concepts of Go
by Nagahara
 Almost poetic in its attempt to describe several fascinating, elusive concepts. Some say this is the simplest book ever written on go; others say it is the most difficult of all go books for even strong players to understand. Both may be right. Full size format, 138 pp. (Kiseido)

Go Proverbs
by David Mitchell
 In the 1960ís Segoeís Go Proverbs Illustrated, now out of print, taught the Western world the principles of sound play. Now David Mitchell has refined some of Segoeís thoughts, while also presenting some original material. Twenty-two proverbs are defined in all, including "Eyes win semeais" and "Strange things happen at the 1-2 point." Full size format, 62 pp. (Slate and Shell)

All About Thickness
by Ishida Yoshio
 The concept of "thickness" is so important, and so difficult to grasp, that it deserves separate consideration in its own book. Here, it is made easier to understand with large diagrams, simple explanations, and colorful explanatory phrases and arrows. Full size format, 192 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Intermediate Level Power Builder Volume I (153 pp.) and Volume II (148 pp.)
by Wang Runan 9-Dan
Transcripts of 13 lectures on the fundamentals from Chinese television with plenty of explanatory diagrams. Full size format. (Yutopian)
Click here to read an E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal review.

100 Challenging Go Problems for 100 Days of Study
from the Nihon Kiin
A selection of problems taken from Kido magazine's "Challenge Corner," which offers ranking diplomas to readers who mail in the correct answers to a given number of problems, which test the reader on every facet of the game. These are really hard! Full size format, 220 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Test Your Go Strength
by Naoki Miyamoto
Fifty whole-board problems: choose among five possible moves. It won't necessarily tell you your real strength, but the problems are entertaining and instructive. Full size format, 213 pp.)(Kiseido)

Sabaki: How to Manage Weak Stones
Based on lectures by American master teacher Yi-lun Yang. 106 pp. (Wings Across Calm Water Go Club)

Click here to read the E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal review.

Fundamental Principles of Go
by Yi-lun Yang 7-Dan
America's greatest teacher has spent years thinking about how to explain the essence of go to the Westernm mind. This book is the result of those efforts. . Full size format, 188 pp. (Slate and Shell)

Think Like a Pro: Haengma
by Youngsun Yoon
Examples of haengma (shape) in four categories: taking control, breaking out, attacking, and shapes derived from jeong-sook (joseki). Text in both English and Korean. Full size format, 192 pp. (Yutopian)

Think Like A Pro: Pae (Ko)
by Young-sun Yoon
"Pae (ko) is the beauty of go!" exclaims the author in Volume 2 of the "Think Like A Pro" series in Korean and English. 187 pp. Full size format. (Yutopian)

FOR STRONGER PLAYERS

A Way of Play for the 21st Century
by Go Seigen
 The greatest player of the 20th century, and possibly of all time, is still alive and absorbed in the study of go. In the 1930's, he and Kitani discovered a "new fuseki" that revolutionized play throughout the world of professional go. Here, the master presents the fundamentals of good play with his own unique insights. Full size format, 263 pp. ( Slate and Shell)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Improve Your Intuition
by Shukaku Takagawa
A great Japanese go master shows how to quickly perceive basic features of the situation on the go board in this series of three booklets. (Slate and Shell)

Positional Judgment: High-Speed Game Analysis
by Cho Chikun
 "Rich men donít pick fights," the proverb says. If youíre ahead, play safely; if not, you need to fight for the lead. When you know how to estimate the balance of territory and influence, you can decide whether to fight or play cautiously. Full size format, 178 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

The Art of Positional Judgment
by Nie Weiping
Nie was the first famous player to emerge when China entered the international go scene in the 1970s. Includes detailed analysis of many of his games. Full size format, 197 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read an E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal review.

Golden Opportunities
by Rin Kaiho
 "The weak wait for opportunities to arrive. The strong search for and grasp opportunities. The wise create their opportunities," says the preface. The author of Come Up to Shodan examines this theme on the go board, while drawing on the lives of Davy Crockett, Napoleon, Joseph Pulitzer and others to illustrate the same theme in a broader context of life. Full size format, 308 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.Lectures on Go Technique
by Cho Hun-hyeon
An elucidation of basic go elements ñ surrounding and secaping; connecting and cutting; attachments; diagonals; tigers (hangs); empty triangles; and hane ñ with 45 full-board problems so the readers can test his new knowledge. Full size format, 222 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read an E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal review.

Tesuji and Anti-Suji of Go
by Sakata Eio
 In this volume, Sakata takes up the question of good style, examining 61 model positions to find the elegant move and its undesirable opposite. Full size format, 224 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

36 Stratagems Applied to Go
by Ma Xiaochun
 The 36 Stratagems is an ancient classic Chinese treatise on military theory, written in a style similar to the Tao Te Ching. Ma shows that these precepts can be applied on the go board as well. Full size format, 200 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Strategic Fundamentals in Go
by Guo Tisheng and Lu Wen
The first English-language book to discuss strategy from a Chinese viewpoint, in a series of ten lessons. Full size format, 167 pp. (Yutopian)

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THE OPENING

All About Joseki
by Mingjiu Jiang 7P and Guo Juan 5P
Two popular teachers team up to review the basics, reviewing amateur games and identifying common errors. (Slate and Shell)

Opening Theory Made Easy
by Otake Hideo
 Twenty easy-to-grasp principles that will help low- and mid-level players get off to a better start in your games. 167 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Dictionary of Joseki
by Ishida Yoshio
A comprehensive survey of openings, by one of the modern masters. A must for the reference library of every serious player. Full size format. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Dictionary of Basic Joseki
by Rin Kaiho
A great master catalogs the great opening strategies of the 20th century. Full size format, 510 pp. in all. (Yutopian)

A Dictionary of Modern Fuseki: The Korean Style
A massive compliation of Korean approaches to standard opening patterns. Does this book explain why Korean players dominate international go? Oversize format, 290 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read an E-Journal review.
Click here to read two additional E-Journal reviews.

Whole Board Thinking in Joseki
byYi-lun Yang Pro 7-Dan and Phil Straus
"Think globally, act locally" the authors tell, then explain in deatil how to utilize a whole board perspective to do the riht thing in a local situation. Full size format. (Slate and Shell)

Enclosure Josekis
by Takemiya Masaki
Japan's most popular pro explains when and how to invade when the opponent has already enclosed the corner with two moves Small format, 205 pp. . (Kiseido)

Essential Joseki
by Naiwei Rui
This Chinese 9-dan is active in the Korean tournament scene. So active, in fact, that she won the 2000 Kuksoo Title, becoming the first woman in history to win a title not restricted to woman players. In this book she draws on knowledge she gained while studying with the great Go Seigen in Japan. Full size format, 228 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read an E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal review.

The Direction of Play
by Kajiwara Takeo
 Classic elucidation of a strategic concept that plays a key role in every opening, by an entertaining, opinionated character. Sample chapter title: "Move Two Lost the Game." Small format, 248 pp. (Kiseido)

Korean Style of Baduk 1
by Chang-ho Lee and Sung-rai Kim
The greatest living player discusses the avalache jongseok (corner pattern) and the mini-Chinese opening. The first of a three volume series. Oversize format, 280 pp. ( Yutopian) ( Slate and Shell)

Modern Joseki and Fuseki Vols. I & II
by Sakata Eio
Detailed analysis of local and global considerations in the opening. Full size format, 346 pp. (Kiseido)

The Great Joseki Debates
by Honda Kunihisa
Originally serialized in Go World magazine, these "debates" look at 24 common positions, examining various alternative moves in detail. Full size format, 254 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

The Chinese Opening: A Sure-Fire Win Strategy
by Kato Masao
 This distinctive arrangement of three stones along the side is the most popular opening today. Kato explains why, and what to do about it. Full size format, 142 pp.(Kiseido)
Click here to read two E-Journal reviews.

The Power of the Star Point
by Takagawa Shukaku
Explains how to make use of stones played on the handicap points (4-4). This is the "new fuseki" that Kitani and Go Seigen brought to prominence in the 1930ís. Full size format, 133 pp. (Kiseido)

The 3-3 Point
by Cho Chikun
 Neglected since Kitani's time because of its emphasis on territory, the 3-3 point opening can work quite effectively, and is likely to surprise your opponent! Small format, 214 pp. (Kiseido)

Go Problems for Kyu Level Players
from the Nihon Kiin
This six-volume series of books you can fit in your shirt pocket. Mini format. (Slate and Shell)

Jungsuk In Our Time
by Seo Bong-soo and Jung Dong-sik
translated by Chi-hyung Nam
A discussion of the opening from the Korean point of view. Full size format, 351 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Five Hundred and One Opening Problems
The title says it all. Volume 2 of the "Mastering the Basics" series. Full size format. (Kiseido)
Click here to read an E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal review.

Punishing and Correcting Joseki Mistakes
by Ming-jiu Jiang Pro 7-Dan
What to do when thjings go wrong in the opening. Full size format, 120 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Workshop Lectures, Vol I
by Yi-lun Yang
Based on workshops given by the dean of American teachers in 2005 and 2006 on "When to tenuki in the opening," "choosing the direction of attack" and "playing complicated joseki." Full size format, 68 pp. ( Slate and Shell)

Workshop Lectures, Vol II
by Yi-lun Yang
More of Mr. Yang's workshops on "How to Invade," "Choosing the Correct Pincer," "Side Extensions in the Opening" and the difference between "Playing A Territorial Game" and "Playing a Moyo Game." Full size format, 81 pp. ( Slate and Shell)

Workshop Lectures, Vol III
by Yi-lun Yang
Here Mr. Yang discusses "Playing the Opening," "Developments Around the 4-4 Point," "Punishing Weak Groups Directly," "Using Forcing Moves" and "Handling Weak Stones". Full size format, 76 pp. ( Slate and Shell)

Workshop Lectures, Vol IV
by Yi-lun Yang
Topics include "Good And Bad Shape," "When To Play Slow Or Fast," "Playing A Fighting Opening" and " Destroying Large Or Nearly Completed Positions." Full size format, 72 pp. ( Slate and Shell)

Workshop Lectures, Vol V
by Yi-lun Yang
Topics include "Choosing Areas In The Opening," Handling Unusual Opening Moves" and "Protecting A Position.". Full size format, 79 pp. ( Slate and Shell)

Workshop Lectures, Vol VI
by Yi-lun Yang
Topics include discusses "Entering The Middle Game," "Attacking Severely," "Dealing With A Moyo, and "Playing With And Against The San-Ren-Sei" . Full size format, 76 pp. ( Slate and Shell)

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LIFE AND DEATH

All About Life and Death (two volumes)
by Cho Chikun
 Pros and strong amateurs agree: to get stronger, study life and death. This comprehensive look at the subject tells you most of what you need to know. Full size format, 346 pp. (Kiseido)

Yi-lun Yang's Ingenious Life and Death Problems (two volumes)
Mr. Yang has been teaching go full time in the United States, so he understands the specific needs of Western players. He is also a devoted student of life and death, creating a new life-and-death problem every day as part of his daily routine. Blending these areas of expertise, he has produced Volume I (224 pp.) and Volume II (214 pp.).Full size format. (Yutopian)

Yilun Yang's Go Puzzles
Volume 1: Life and Death by the Numbers
by Yi-lun Yang 7-Dan
A delightful collection of 40 problems, in which the Black stones are arranged in the form of numbers "1" through "40".You may never see theseproblems in an actual game, but they are fun and instructive to solve. Mini format,100 pp. (Slate and Shell)

Volume II: Life and Death in Chinese Characters
by Yi-lun Yang 7-Dan
Learn how 50 common words are written in Chinese while solving life-and-death problems based on each character. Mini format,103 pp. (Slate and Shell)

Igo Hatsuyo-ron: Life and Death from the 18th Century
from the Nihon Kiin
First published in 1713, this collection of 63 problems evokes a bygone era while illustrating the timeless nature of go. Full size format, 196 pp. (Yutopian)

Life and Death: Intermediate Level Problems
by Maeda Nobuaki
110 classic problems in a book small enough to fit in your back pocket. Maeda is known as a leading life-and-death expert in Japan. 140 pp. (Slate and Shell)

Go Problems for Kyu Level Players
 from the Nihon Kiin
Wallet-sized collections of problems that you can take with you anywhere. Mini format. (Slate and Shell)

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GAME ANALYSIS

Most teachers agree that to improve oneís strength, nothing beats studying professional games like the ones found in these collections.

Invincible: The Games Of Shusaku
edited by John Power
 In a class by itself, with detailed reviews of more than 80 games played by the man who may have been the greatest go player of all time. Oversize format, 419 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Tournament Go 1992
translated by John Power
 In 1992, Go World temporarily suspended publication John Power, the journal's editor, filled this gap in English-language coverage of top Japanese pro tournaments by publishing everything that would have appeared, and more, in one volume. With extensive comments on more than 50 games, this is a unique resource for the aspiring serious player. Oversize format, 264 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

The 1971 Honinbo Tournament
In-depth analysis of a title bout between two of the great modern masters: Ishida Yoshio and Rin Kaiho. Full size format, 203 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

This Is Go The Natural Way!
by Takemiya Masaki
The great master explains how to follow"the natural flow of play." 172 pp. Full size format. ( Yellow Mountain Imports) (Slate and Shell)

Shuko: The Only Move Volume I
The Joseki/Fuseki Collection
by Fujisawa Shuko
A famous player presents opening positions from eighty of his most interesting games, in a "Next Move?" problem format. 216 pp. Full size format. (Slate and Shell)

Shuko: The Only Move Volume II
Fighting Middle Game Collection
by Fujisawa Shuko
A famous player presents from eighty of his most interesting middle games, in a "Next Move?" problem format. 216 pp. Full size format. (Slate and Shell)

Appreciating Famous Games
by Ohira Shuzo
 Detailed review of ten great games from Japanese go history. Small format, 279 pp. (Kiseido)

Cho Hun-hyeonís Life and Master Games
Through analysis of twenty great games, the author shows how he managed to completely dominate Korean go for twenty years until the rise of Lee Chang-ho in the early 1990ís. Full size format, 234 pp. (Slate and Shell)

Go on Go
by Go Seigen 9p
A series of his own now famous games commented almost move by move by the master himself. Full size format, 539 pp. (Wings Across Calm Water Go Club)

The Best Play: In-Depth Game Analyses
by Feng Yun
 From a series of lectures given in 2002 by the former World Women's Champion, now living and teaching in the US. Full size format, 53 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Click here to read an E-Journal review.

Understanding How to Play Go
by Yuan Zhou
 Written by a top American amateur, this book goes into move-by-move detail, examining seven games between top amateurs in great detail. Full size format, 210 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Click here to read an E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal review.

Dramatic Moments on the Go Board
by Abe Yoshiteru
 This collection of classic oversights ("tragicomedy in the endgame," "hullabaloo in the middle game," "turning points in the opening," and so on) will amuse and instruct. Written by a 9-Dan Japanese professional. Small format, 220 pp. (Yutopian)

Beauty and the Beast
 by Shen Guosun
 Game analysis focusing on prominent Chinese professionals, interspersed with colorful anecdotes about them. Full size format, 172 pp. (Yutopian)

Top European Players Training
Six top Europeans play twelve games and dis =cuss what they were thinking. Published by the EGF to raise funds to train top Europeanst. Full size format. (Slate and Shell)

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TACTICAL STUDIES

Vital Points and Skillful Finesse for Sabaki
by Yoda Norimoto
A problem-oriented discussion of how to use this important concept to play lightly and flexibly, while making the opponenot's stones ineffective, over-concentrated and misdirected. 232 pp. Full size format.( Slate and Shell)

501 Tesuji Problems
by Richard Bozulich
Volume Four of the problem-oriented "Mastering the Basics" shows the 45 or so most common types of clever move that can save the day. (Kiseido)

Dictionary of Basic Tesuji (four volumes)
by Fuujisawa Shuko 9-Dan
A great champion reveals clever plays you never dreamed of. Full size format. (Slate and Shell)

200 Tesuji Problems
by Shirae Haruhiko 7-Dan
From the popular Nihon Kiin Pocket Series. Full size format, 212 pp. (Slate and Shell)

Reducing Territorial Frameworks
by Fujisawa Shuko
A comprehensive review of techniques for erasing the opponent's influence and territory without invading. Full size format, 200 pp. (Kiseido)

Keshi and Uchikomi: Invasion and Reduction in Go
by Iwamoto Kaoru
During the 1980's, chapters from the study of middle game techniques were among the most popular features in The American Go Journal. Now those articles have been reassembled for publication in book form, along with additional material that has never appeared in English. Full size format, 206 pp. (AGA/Slate and Shell)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Utilizing Outward Influence
by Jin Jiang and Zhao Zheng
 Deepens your understanding of this elusive concept with a brisk outline of principles, followed by fifty problems and explanations. Full size format, 140 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Attack and Kill
by Kato Masao
At one time Kato was known as "The Killer." This book tells how he selects targets and finishes them off, and shows some of his more daring exploits. Small format, 215 pp. (Kiseido)

Killer of Go
by Sakata Eio
The legendary Sakata, long at the forefront of the professional go world, wrote this classic text on the theme of killing stones. The book went through more than 100 printings in the 1960s. Now in English for the first time. Full size format, 238 pp. (Yutopian)

Fighting Ko
by Jin Jiang
 Ko positions in opening, middle game and endgame settings, as well as those that arise in standard joseki and invasion sequences; strategy and whole-board analysis as they apply to ko fights; special properties of the 1-2 and 2-2 points in the corner. Small format, 146 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Beyond Forcing Moves
by Takagi Shoichi
 This book could be called "All About Sente." How and when to play forcing moves, and just as important, how and when to refrain from playing them. Full size format, 186 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

A Compendium of Trick Plays
from the Nihon Kiin
A whimsical but detailed treatment of the kind of crude, sleazy tricks we all dream of coming up with when we're in a hopeless position! Includes an extended dialog between "Joe Patzer" and the "Honinbo of the Alleyways," a cartoon, 25 real problems, and more. Full size format, 220 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Winning a Won Game
by Go Seigen
How to avoid giving your opponent the chance to catch up when youíre ahead. Written by one of the great players of all time. Full size format, 166 pp. (Yutopian)

Lee Chang-hoís Novel Plays and Shapes
Mr. Lee is arguably the strongest player in the world, with more international titles under his belt that anyone else. In this book he looks at fifteen games containing opening moves that seem to go against standard go wisdom, but actually put the player in a winning position. Full size format, 230 pp. (Yutopian)

Rescue and Capture
by Yi-lun Yang
This little series of 80 middle game problems fits easily in your back pocket. It shows how to make sure your groups escape ñ and your opponentís groups donít! By the California-based master teacher from Shanghai. Mini format, 163 pp. (Yutopian)

How to Destroy and Preserve
by Yi-lun Yang
Highlights of Mr. Yangís workshop in Gaithersburg, Maryland in 2000. Mini format. 112 pp. (Wings Across Calm Water Go Club)

Whole Board Living Tesuji
by Sangit Chatterjee and Huiren Yang
Tesuji problems drawn from actual games. Full size format, 147 pp. (Yutopian)

Tricks in Joseki
by Yi-lun Yang
Another mini-book with 80 problems illustrating how to play flexibly in the opening and avoid tricks and traps. 161 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Cross-Cut Workshop
by Richard Hunter
Weak players fear the cross-cut because it leads to complications. Understand how it works and you will strengthen your game. Full size format, 76 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Monkey Jump Workshop
by Richard Hunter
Hunter explores this popular maneuver in depth. Full size format, 154 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Counting Liberties and Winning Capturing Races
by Richard Hunter
Tricks and shortcuts to help you read out complicated fights. Full size format, 240 pp.(Slate and Shell)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

The Middle Game of Go
by Sakata Eio
With more than 70 titles under his belt, Sakata is the winningest pro in Japanese history. Here he gives very detailed analysis of the chubansen (middle game) of four of his favorite battles. Full size format, 143 pp. (Kiseido)

The Art of Go Series
Problem-based instruction on these two crucial techniques. Full size format. (Yutopian)

200 Endgame Problems
from the Nihon Kiin Pocket Series
Most professional games are won in the yose, the final phase. Strengthen you ability to turn close games into victories. Full size format, 252 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Liping Huang's Problem Book Volume I
The Chicago-based Chinese-American pro offers an intriguing series of problems. Full size format, 40 pp. (Slate and Shell)

Mastering Ladders
by Thomas Wolf
A longtime student of this aspect of go offers useful guidelines. CD included with 1000's of problems.. (Slate and Shell)

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HANDICAP GO

Masterpieces of Handicap Go Volumes I & II
from the Nihon Kiin
Translated by Robert McGuigan from a variety of Japanese sources, many of these games appeared originally in The American Go Journal. They show actual handicap play between established masters and rising stars of the future. Full size format. (Slate and Shell)

ABCs of Attack and Defense
by Michael Redmond 9-Dan
Pointers on how to make the most of handicap stones, by the strongest Western player in the history of the game. Full size format, 221 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Click here to read an E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal review.

Mastering the Basics of Go
by Eugene Lim and Herve Dicky
Insights from"the father of French Go" focusing on how to win a nine stone game. Now in English for the first time since it appeared in France in 1974. Full size format, 152 pp. (Slate and Shell)

How to Play Against the Stronger Player
by Sakai Michiharu 8p
A popular classic since it was published in Japan in 1969, this translation is available only in electronic format. Download it, print it out, and itís yours at no charge! Full size format. (Wings Across Calm Water Go Club)

Pro-Pro Handicap Go
from the Nihon Kiin
A collection of three-, four- and five-stone handicap games between established Japanese pros, so the analysis is interesting, but outcome is never really in doubt. Full size format, 224 (Yutopian)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Secret Chronicles of Handicap Go
by Kageyama Toshiro
Based on the author's popular Japanese television programs for amateur players, analyzing pro-pro handicap play. One of the few go books with a sense of humor. Small format, 204 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

How to Play Handicap Go
by Yuan Zhou 7D
The author of Understanding How to Play Go offers his thoughts on handicap play. Full size format, 183 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Click here to read an E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal review.

Cosmic Go: A Guide to 4 Stone Handicap Games
by Sangit Chatterjee and Hui-ren Yang Pro 1-Dan
Written by a strong amateur in consultation with a pro, this book examines specific aspects of four stone handicap strategy, taking its inspiration from the "cosmic" style of top Japanese professional Takemiya. Full size format, 174 pp.(Kiseido)

Galactic Go: A Guide to 3 Stone Handicap Go
by Sangit Chatterjee and Hui-ren Yang Pro 1-Dan
Starting where Cosmic Go left off, Chaterjee and Yang explicate the more advanced mysteries of three stone handicap go. Full size format. (Yutopian)

Imagination of a Go Master
by Takemiya Masaki 9-Dan
A collection of games that illustrate Takemiya's logic-shattering cosmic style. Sprial bound to lay flat for easy reference. Full size format, 222 pp. (Nemesis Enterprises)

The Nihon Kiin Handbook series Volume 4 -- Handicap Go
A revised and expanded translation of a popular Japanese book, covering handicaps from three to nine stones with separate chapters for each.Full size format, 236 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal review.

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GENERAL INTEREST

400 Years of Japanese Go
by Andrew Grant
Drawing on the work of noted go historians John Fairbairn and John Power, Grant has written a detailed yet accessible illustrated account of the evolution of the game to its current forms. Includes the records of 37 famous games. Full size format, 204 pp. ( Slate and Shell).

The Go Companion
by John Fairbairn and T. Mark Hall
The co-authors of The GoGOD CD omnibus have combined some of GoGOD's best essays with mostly original material to present a unique view of the history and culture of the game. Large format. ( Slate and Shell)

Contemporary Go Terms
by Chi-hyung Nam
An extensive glossary in Korean, Chinese, Japanese and English. Full size format, 335 pp. (Yutopian) (Slate and Shell)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Reflections on the Game of Go
by William Cobb
A collection of columns written for the The American Go Journal and The American Go E-Journal in which a former professor of philsophy at William and Mary expounds on the true meaning of go. Full size format, 116 pp. (Slate and Shell)

Eurogo
by Franco Pratesi
A detailed history of go in Europe. Full size format. (Slate and Shell)

Bibliogo (259 pp.)
by Theo van Ees and Franco Pratesi
An annotated bibilograhpy of every go books ever published in a non-Asian language. Full size format. (Het Paard)

The Way of Go
by Troy Anderson
A former insei (pro-in-training) applies the lessons of go to other aspects of life. Full size format, 248 pp. (Simon and Shuster)

The Go Player's Almanac 2001
by Richard Bozulich
 The authoritative, newly updated reference on every aspect of go -- history, players, rules, you name it. 377 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read an E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal review.

Go As Communication: The Educational and Therapeutic Value of the Game of Go
Japanese 9-Dan Yasutoshi Yasuda expresses the joy of teaching "The Capture Game", a beginner's variant of go, to disabled children and adults. Full size format, 70 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

AGA Archives
The American Go Association maintains one of the most extensive collections of Western go materials in the world.

The Bob High Memorial Library: Dozens of fascinating articles cover every imaginable historical, cultural and scientific aspect of go.

The AGA Songbook
 from the American Go Association
Dozens of song parodies, ranging from clever to painful. Oversize format, 109 pp.
Click here to download the 2002 supplement.

The World of Chinese Go
 by Juan Guo
Ms. Guo grew up in China and earned her pro credentials there before settling in Europe, where she now teaches go. She tells about life in a Chinese go school the fierce competition of become pro, and the lives of top Chinese players, while offering lots of analysis and instruction along the way. Full size format, 162 pp. (Yutopian)

The Treasure Chest Enigma, 2nd Ed
 by Noriyuki Nakayama
A delightful collection of essays about the human side of go -- the milieu of professional life in Japan, the history of the game, and some rather special go problems by one of the most popular teachers of the game. Several of the problems in the first edition have been replaced with new ones in the second edition. Full size format, 186 pp. ( Slate and Shell)
Click here to read the E-Journal review (refers to the 1st Ed.).

A Journey in Search of the Origins of Go
 by Shirakawa Masayoshi
An award-winning Japanese writer and anthropologist travels to China to investigate 3000 years of go history. Full size format, 244 pp. (Yutopian)

The Protracted Game: A Wei-chi Analysis of Chinese Military Strategy
 by Scott Boorman
Boorman's doctoral thesis about go as an influence on military thinking seems a bit overstated. Full size format, 234 pp.

Striving for Excellence
 by Chen Zude
 The autobiography of a great Chinese champion who came of age in the 1960's. Written in the 1980's when Zude was recovering from cancer. 208 pp.(Dongyu Publishing)

Go: An Asian Paradigm for Business Strategy
 by Yasuyuki Miura
 Written by a successful Japanese businessman who is also a dan-level go player, this volume helps a Westerner to understand how Japanese businessmen think, using go as a context. Full size format, 269 pp. (Kiseido)

Chilling Gets the Last Point: A Mathematical Analysis of the Endgame in Go
by Berlekamp and Wolfe
 Wolfe conducted a mathematical study of the endgame in go as his doctoral thesis, under the supervision of well-known game theorist Dr. Elwyn Berlekamp, the inventor on "Environmental Go." Full size format, 232 pp.(A. K. Peters Ltd.)

The World of Ki
 by John D. Goodell
 A philosophical treatise on the nature of go, seen by the author as "a symbolic structure capable of reflecting and suggesting various processes of thought" and more generally on the use of games in many different applications. Published by Riverside Research Press (St. Paul) in 1957. Full size format, 215 pp. (Out of print)

Games of No Chance
 edited by Richard J. Nowakowski
Contains many fascinating articles on games and game theory; includes four papers on go. A description from MSRI provides more details. (Cambridge University Press)

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FICTION

Hikaru no Go
This coming-of-age story, set in the world of competitive go, revived interest in go among Japanese youth. It was first published in English in Shonen Jump magazine. Download a Hikaru poster for your bedroom wall, go club or classroom.

The Master of Go
 by Yasunari Kawabata
 A parable of youth's challenge to the established order; the author won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1968. If you don't play go yet, reading this book will make you want to learn the game. If you already play, you're sure to enjoy the story of an epic contest between two masters. (Vintage)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

The Girl Who Played Go
by Shan Sa
This novel about a young girl's experiences in Manchuria during the 1930's was originally published in French. Ms. Sa won the 2004 Kiriyama prize for this novel. 280 pp,
Click here to read reviews of this book.
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

First Kyu
by Sung-hwa Hong
 This novel by the late top Canadian player is based on his own experiences and observations of the world of baduk while growing up in Korea. 198 pp. (Samarkand)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Shibumi
by Trevanian
Expatriate Nicholai Hel, born of Western parents in China, studies martial arts while also learning the wisdom of go philosophy in this thriller that has developed a cult following over the years.

PopCo
by Scarlett Thomas
Alice Butler works for a toy company where everyone plays go.

Almost Sente
by Kamil Budzinski
A series of strange comic strips that seem to have something to do with go. 72 pp.

Magister Ludi: The Glass Bead Game
by Hermann Hesse
Did Hesse play go? In his futuristic masterpiece, artistic expression has become redundant, except in one realm, which bears a striking resemblance to our favorite pastime.
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Starborne
by Robert Silverberg
On a loooong trip seeking out planets in the distant reaches of the universe that will support life, what else is there to do but play go? (Out of print, but copies are available online.)

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PERIODICALS

The American Go Journal
 Published from 1949 to 2003 by the American Go Association; back issues are available.

Go Review
 Published in English by the Nihon Kiin, first monthly and then quarterly, starting in 1961. Many of the highlights of these magazines are now available as books from Slate and Shell. The Nihon Kiin's decision to suspend publication in 1977 inspired Richard Bozulich and John Power to begin publishing Go World the following year.

Go World
Published quarterly since 1978, this is the definitive resource for serious study, with detailed analysis of top games from major pro tournaments and a wide variety of instructional aricles.Click here for a complete searchable database of contents of back issues. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Ranka: The International Go Federation Yearbook
 by the International Go Federation
 The IGF is the worldwide organization of national go associations, and this yearbook tells what's happening on the international scene year by year. With lots of games and commentary from top-level amateur play, including the World Amateur Go Championship. (Hard to find)

Knucklebones
A magazine about go and other games and puzzles.

The International Go Newsletter
Published in Russia.

Go Winds
PDF files of back issues of this quarterly from Yutopian Enterprises, with excerpts from Yutopian books and more.

Periodigo: Go Periodical Literature in the Western World
An exhaustive catalog of English language go magazines since 1946-- if you can find a copy.

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NOTABLE ARTICLES

Go and Chess
Ethan Goffman compares two great games as vehicles for learning. This reprint made available by Knucklebones magazine.

To test A Powerful Computer, Play an Ancient Game
New York Times science writer George Johnson explains the unique challenge go poses for computer programmers.

In an Ancient Game, Computing's Future
New York Times staff writer Katie Hafner tells why computer scientists view the game of go as "the fruit fly of intuition."

The Game to Beat All Games
This article in the December 2004 issue of The Economist tells why go is "the most mentally testing game of all time."

On-Line Samurai Transform an Ancient Game
Hafner tells how the Internet has revolutionized the world of go.

Dreaming Dreams Building Bridges
Seattle teacher Carter Kemp takes eight students to Beijing to play go.

Chess Is Becoming Like Checkers
This New York Times article is mostly about chess, which has been more or less "solved" as a programming problem. Today's strongest programs can beat just about anyone, so for a new challenge programmers are looking at go.

All Systems Go
Programmer David Mechner explains why computers can't play go.

Go For It!
Go4++ programmer Michael Reiss and other prominent programmers tell New Scientist reporter Michael Brooks why a strong go-playing program may never exist. t the New Scientist site, sign up for the archive (seven-day free trial period) and search for "Reiss" from April of 2003.

How Chess and Go Affect the Brain
This article compares two recent studies using functional MRIs to assess brain function in chess players and go players, respectively. Links to the original sources are included.

Kissinger on Go
In the 11/8/2004 issue of Newsweek magazine Dr. Henry Kissinger wrote: ìAn interesting recent article compared the difference in the diplomatic style of China and the United States to their intellectual games ñ the West's chess and Chinese neiji(sic), better known by the Japanese name of go. Chess has only two outcomes: draw and checkmate. The objective of the game is to say, that is to say, its outcome is total victory or defeat ñ and the battle is conducted head-on, in the center of the board. The aim of go is relative advantage; the game is played all over the board, and the objective is to increase one's options and reduce those of the adversary. The goal is less victory that persistent strategic progress.î

Getting lost in the game
by Queena Sook Kim of the LA Times.

Don't Bypass Go
 Go in Princeton, the stomping grounds of A Beautiful Mind's John Nash.

Teachers use the Web to engage, excite and entertain kids
There are no bad boys, only bad moves.

Learning Across the Board
Go and chess teachers work together to improve the minds of local schoolchildren.

Confucius Played, Can You?
This article from the Columbia News Service describes a visit to the New York Go Center.

Life Magazine article (1942)
This fascinating historical document appeared five months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The anonymous author goes on at some length trying to completely explain the principles of play, while peppering the piece with some jarringly jingoistic comments that illustrate how far we have come from those days. Discovered and submitted by Anton Ninno of the Central New York Go Club.

Vintage Camel ad
In this cigarette ad from 1976, the model is even holding the stone correctly. Discovered and submitted by Anton Ninno of the Central New York Go Club.

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FILM AND VIDEO

Goebasics
 The American Goe Institute in San Francisco produced this fifteen-minute video for children in which two narrators explain the rules of the game. Available in Windows Media or Quicktime format. This video is available from the American Goe Institute, c/o Ernest Brown, 3848 Cesar Chavez Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94131

Go: More Than a Game
Filmed at the venerable old San Francisco Go Club on Bush St. in 1989, this 15-minute film Describes the importance of go to Asian culture, and its increasing popularity.

The AGA Summer Go Camp video
A five-minute film that shows American children learning go and having fun at the annual children's camp sponsored by the AGA. (www.usgo.org)

The Go Masters
 No list of important go publications is complete without mention of this award-winning film. Two versions exist, a commercially distributed version and a "directorís cut", but prints of either version are hard to find. The first such project ever produced as a join venture between Chinese and Japanese film companies, the sweeping epic tells a tale of enduring friendship, chronicling a Chinese master playerís experiences in Japan before and during World War II. Currently out of print, but you can download a digital version if you have a high-speed Internet connection.

Restless
An American woman traveling through China gets involved with a go teacher. Starring Catherine Kellner.
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Pi
Darren Aronofsky's first film has become a cult classic, about a mathematician obsessed with the search for the secret algorithm of the universe. Care to guess where he finds it?

A Beautiful Mind
A portrait of Nobel Prize winner John Nash's struggle with mental illness. In an early scene Nash, who was in real life a "charter" member of the American Go Association, establishes his pride and conceit when he declares the game "flawed."
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison (1957)
Deborah Kerr gets to know Robert Mitchum on an island occupied by Japan during WWII. Mitchum sees two Japanese officers playing. Later she tries to explain (incorrectly) how to play. Kerr was nominated for an Academy award for her performance.

GO SIGHTINGS
Go has also appeared in the background of many films and TV shows. Here is a partial listing. If you spot a new one, send it in!

Movies

TV

PHOTOS

Japanese-Americans Play Go in WW II Internment Camps
These two photographs show Japanese citizens and residents of the US who were detained in internment camps during the Second World war, making the best of it by playing go.

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BOOKS ABOUT OTHER GAMES

The American go community is a small, self-selected meritocracy of enthusiasists. The book about this remarkable group has yet to be written. However, we encourage you to check out these books about other groups of gamers, and see how they compare with the world of American go!

CHESS
 The Chess Artist
J. C. Hallman
(St. Martin's Press)

BRIDGE
 The Walk of the Oysters
Rex Mackay
 (W H Allen - out of print)

SCRABBLE
Word Freak
Stefan Fatsis
 (Basic Books)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.

VIDEO GAMES
Game Over
David Sheff
(Penguin Books)

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The AGA wants this to be the most complete and reliable list of English-language go books. Please send corrections or additions to the page maintainer.


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