In a new 45-minute interview with YouTube Go teacher Clossius, longtime tournament
director Richard Newman shares the history and heart behind one of the most beloved events at the annual U.S. Go Congress: the Baum Prizes – Go Across the Ages.
In the first 30 minutes, Newman explains how the event was created to honor Go player Leonard Baum, who loved playing with children. The Baum Prizes pair youth (15 and under) with adults at least 40 years older in friendly, self-paired games throughout the week of Congress. Participation has skyrocketed in recent years, thanks to increased promotion and a welcoming, low-pressure atmosphere.
It’s not about rating points, Newman says, it’s about building bridges across generations—and having fun.
The last 15 minutes of the interview explores Newman’s own Go journey and what he’s looking forward to at this year’s U.S. Go Congress in Austin, Texas.
Prize Categories include:
- 🦡 The Badger: Most games played by a youth 11 or younger
- 💪 The Striver: Most games played by a youth 12–15
- ⚔️ The Elder Slayer: Most adults defeated by a youth
- 🥋 The Dan Destroyer: Most dan-level adults defeated by a youth
- 🧓 The Old Hand: Most games played by an adult
- 😄 The Encourager: Most games lost by an adult
- 🎓 The Teacher: Most 9-stone or greater teaching games given
- 🔄 Across the Ages: Three pairs with the greatest age gap
Each category offers $50 in cash and a medal (or $20 Go Bucks and a medal for “Across the Ages”).
📍 For full prize details and how to participate, visit the Baum prize page.
🎥 Watch the full interview below or here.