North American Pair Go Championship
Location: Main Ballroom
Eligibility: Everyone
Director(s): Andrew Zhang
Two-round team tournament with teams made up of one male and one female player*. The players may not consult with each other during the game. Formal or semi-formal dress is encouraged.
* Any and all mixed-gender teams are allowed in the Main Event. Same-gender teams are also allowed, but at least one player must be kyu level.
Main Event
Time/Location: 1st round Thursday (7/13) at 7 p.m., 2nd round Thursday (7/13) at 8:30pm.
Registration: Sign up before Wednesday (7/12) at 10 p.m. for the main event. All teams must include the name of the male and female players by the time registration closes. Sign-up sheets will also be available prior to the tournament. Professional players are allowed to join the main event, but cannot be selected for the IAPGC Qualifier.
Pair Go Sign-Up Form
Winners: Table winners will receive recognition and Go Bucks.
IAPGC Qualifier
The top four ranked pairs will compete to represent the US at the 33nd International Amateur Pair Go Championship (IAPGC) in Tokyo.
Time/Location: 1st round Tuesday (7/11) at 7 p.m., 2nd round Thursday (7/13) at 7 p.m.
Registration: Sign up before Monday (7/10) at 10 p.m. All teams must include the name of the male and female players by the time registration closes. All players must be have U.S. citizenship. You will be notified by email of your participation before Monday evening.
Pair Go Sign-Up Form
Winners: The winning pair will receive an invitation to play in the IAPGC finals in Tokyo later this year. Details to be announced. The AGA will cover 50% of the winning pair's travel expenses to Tokyo. Unfortunately, due to the recent pandemic’s effect on sponsorship levels, the WPGA will not be able to cover the other 50% (as done in the past).
The top four ranked pairs will also receive special prizes from the IAPGC.
Rules
Basic Rules: Japanese Rules are in effect.
Pair Go Rules: In addition to the basic rules, special rules by the WPGA governing four-person play are in effect.
Official Pair Go Rules
Format: Four pairs of players are assigned to each table. The winners of round 1 will be paired in round 2 to determine the table winners. The losers of round 1 will be paired in round 2 to determine the 3rd and 4th place winners.
Handicaps: Even games for the top four ranked pairs, handicapped games for everyone else. Handicaps are determined by averaging the player ranks on each team.
Rating Criteria: Games are not rated.
Time Limit: 45 minutes per team absolute. (No byo-yomi periods, so use your time wisely!)