The Silicon Valley Go Club made its competitive debut on Saturday, September 28, 2024, hosting
its first-ever tournament. The event featured three rounds of intense play in a single day, with each match using a 30-minute time control and 25 seconds of Fischer time per move.
Players were grouped into one large handicap section, with the top MacMahon bar set at 5 Dan and the bottom at 15 Kyu, ensuring a broad range of skill levels. The tournament drew an impressive 36 participants.
Cash prizes were awarded to the top finishers, with $150 going to the champion, $100 to the runner-up, and $75 for third place. Additionally, a $50 prize was reserved for any player who won all of their games, adding extra incentive for flawless performances.
This inaugural tournament marked a strong start for the Silicon Valley Go Club, setting the stage for future competitive events in the region’s growing Go community. “We intend to do this again, probably in spring,” said organizer Andreas Hauenstein.
Click here for more photos.