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Yuan Zhou Marks Decade of Teaching in North Carolina

Longtime go teacher and author Yuan Zhou (right) recently celebrated a milestone anniversary, leading his tenth North Carolina Workshop December 9-11 in Raleigh, North Carolina. "Members of the Triangle Go Group have benefited from Yuan Zhou's workshops for 10 years," reports Bob Bacon, "and we continue to appreciate his expertise and wisdom." More than just proper play guidelines, Zhou shares insights into the philosophical depths of the ancient game. "As he reviews attendee's games he tailors his instruction to each individual and clearly shows how correct play leads to good results. Teacher Zhou explains common patterns with easily remembered expressions, such as 'heroes live a short life' -- describing a foolhardy invasion -- and 'even the demon is afraid,' after hane at the head of two stones. Yuan Zhou serves up a rich banquet of information about Chinese language phrases and meanings relating to go, Bacon says. 

This year, in addition to sharing many new expressions, he examined and explained the Chinese characters 围棋 (wéi qí), including the subtle alteration made to the characters when later adopted by the Japanese. One of the highlights of the workshop was Lao Shi Zhou's review of recent professional games played between Ke Jie and Gu Li, and between Ke Jie and Tang Weixing. Attendees received copies of the games prior to the workshop, and Yuan Zhou analysed and explained some interesting new moves. "As always, the workshop inspired and empowered the lucky listeners, and left us looking forward to his next appearance in the Triangle," says Bacon. The workshop was sponsored by the Triangle Go Group of North Carolina; read a more detailed report here. photos courtesy Bob Bacon