Following the successful launch of the American Go Association’s National Self-Pair tournaments in August, the September tournament is now underway.
The monthly National Self-Pair tournaments give current AGA members an easy way to play AGA-rated games whenever and wherever they choose. Players arrange their own games with other registered participants, making it possible to play a rated game at a club meeting, a local gathering, or anywhere else where an over-the-board game can be played.
Players who registered for and participated in the August National Self-Pair Tournament do not need to register again each month. Their registration remains active through the end of 2026. Players who did not participate in August can register for the September tournament and will then remain registered for the subsequent monthly tournaments through the end of the year.
Once registered, participants can challenge other players—or accept challenges from them—using the tournament’s QR code system. After the game is completed, players can report the result themselves, and SGF files can be uploaded for games that were recorded.
Games must be played over the board. Clocks are optional, as long as the game meets the AGA requirements for a rated game. Players may play the same opponent up to five times during the month.
The September tournament will run through midnight Eastern Time on September 30. At the end of the month, all completed games will be submitted for rating, and the next monthly National Self-Pair tournament will open.
The National Self-Pair program also provides an additional benefit to AGA chapters. Every rated self-pair game earns Chapter Rewards points for the players’ affiliated chapters, helping support the clubs and organizations that promote Go throughout North America.
Whether you are looking to play a few rated games during your local club night, want to meet new players, or simply want to keep your AGA rating active, the National Self-Pair tournament provides a flexible way to get more rated games on the board.
For more information about how the National Self-Pair tournaments work, please see the FAQ.
Register now for the September National Self-Pair Tournament and start playing!