Well everyone, looks like this will be my final post for 2012. As I look back at 2012 and all the craziness that has come with it, I am definitely glad that go is once again an important part of my life. It’s been a fun year with me getting back into go and then bringing the go blog back full force.

In terms of how my progress, here’s my rank graph for 2012.

Note: I did not play a single ranked game in December though. So the graph seems a little weird… haha.

In terms of my big accomplishment, it would have to be that I made it into mid-SDK range. I must admit though, it seems like just yesterday when I was playing as a 10k. Not sure I feel much stronger though. =D

For next year, my goal is to reach a solid dan status on KGS. Ambitious? Yes. Impossible? Don’t know till I try. =D

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Overall Rating: 10 / 10 Ponnuki

Basic Information

• Title: First Kyu
• Author: Dr. Sung-Hwa Hong
• Publisher: Good Move Press
• Publication Date: July 1999
• Page Length: 194 pages

Synopsis

• A compelling story that is a fast read, but keeps you on the edge of your seat.
• A fantastic insight into the world of go in Korea.
• Even if we subtract the aspect of go from the book, it is still a great story that I think many will appreciate.
• Highly recommended for anyone with the slightest interest in go/baduk/weiqi.

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Rating: 4 /5 Ponnuki

Synopsis:

• A fantastic resource for game reviews when you don’t have time for real-time reviews.
• It’s FREE!!!!
• The reviews are not instantaneous, but what you’d expect from a volunteer based service?

Detailed Review:

GoTeachingLadder is a fantastic resource for players want to have their games reviewed.

As it is a completely volunteer based service, one cannot expect the same level of reviews that you might receive from strong players online; but this does not diminish the value of this website.

The process for submitting a game for review is very simple:

1. Click the link for submitting a game.
2. Fill out the form.
3. Verify that the information is correct.
4. Submit your request.
5. Enjoy your game review when you receive it!

One of the things about GTL that makes it so effective is the fact that they allow you to ask specific questions about your game so that you can be sure those aspects are given the attention you desire. If it weren’t for this aspect, the value of the reviews would be diminished greatly.

The only downside to this resource is the fact that the wait time can be up to a couple weeks at a time depending on your reviewer. While you should expect nothing less from a volunteer based site, this can diminish the value of the game reviews since you may not quite remember the lessons as vividly as shortly after the game.

For more information and common questions, visit their FAQ page here!

So lately, I’ve been playing pool with my family, and I have to say that I realized how accustomed I’ve become to the manner of play in go. For those who aren’t familiar with pool, a player can theoretically play the entire game from start to finish without ever letting the opponent have a single turn. Can you imagine how I felt as a go player?! It’s as if I passed every time an opponent put down a stone. AHHHHHHH!!!!!

With that random anecdote, I’m still happy to report that my ranked game sabbatical has continued to be sustain. Although in all honesty, with the league games diminishing in availability, I am starting to feel the urge to start playing ranked games again. I’ve even resorted to playing two games of blitz go yesterday (which was a complete and utter mistake might I add). Playing league games consistently has certainly weakened my ability to play blitz go properly, but I think that’s a plus more than a negative.

On that note, the month is nearly over! I’m not sure whether or not I want to continue abstaining from ranked games or not, so I guess I’ll see when the time comes.

Hope everyone had a great holiday!

Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5 Ponnuki

Basic Information

• Title: Graded Go Problems for Beginners, Volume 4
• Author: Kano Yoshinori
• Translator: Richard Bozulich
• Publisher:Kiseido
• Publication Date: April 1990
• Page Length: 197 pages
• Number of Problems: 390

Synopsis

• This is where the go problems begin to get more complicated and advanced.
• Continues the general format from the previous volumes, but has a higher expectation of its readers.
• Appropriate for 10 kyu and stronger.
• Recommended for serious players and above.

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Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5 Ponnuki

Basic Information

• Title: Graded Go Problems for Beginners, Volume 3
• Author: Kano Yoshinori
• Translator: Richard Bozulich
• Publisher: Kiseido Publishing Company
• Publication Date: March 1987
• Page Length: 199 pages
• Number of Problems: 421

Synopsis

• This is where the go problems begin to get more complicated and advanced.
• Continues the general format from the previous volumes, but has a higher expectation of its readers.
• Appropriate for 10 kyu and stronger.
• Recommended for serious players and above.

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Overall Rating: 5 / 5 Ponnuki

Basic Information

• Title: Graded Go Problems for Beginners, Volume 2
• Author: Kano Yoshinori
• Translator: Richard Bozulich
• Publisher: Kiseido Publishing Company
• Publication Date: September 1985
• Page Length: 248 pages
• Number of Problems: 327

Synopsis

• Does a great job building on the first volume.
• Continues to live up to the series’ reputation of great problems and easy to understand solutions.
• Appropriate for 20 kyu and stronger.
• Recommended for casual players and above.

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Overall Rating: 5 / 5 Ponnuki

Basic Information

• Title: Graded Go Problems for Beginners, Volume 1
• Author: Kano Yoshinori
• Translator: Richard Bozulich
• Publisher: Kiseido
• Publication Date: February 1985
• Page Length: 216 pages
• Number of Problems: 239

Synopsis

• This is the perfect book for beginners.
• A fantastically well rounded book with lots of different material.
• Appropriate for 30 kyu and stronger.
• Recommended for any go player.

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Overall Rating: 5 / 5 Ponnuki

Basic Information

• Title: Graded Go Problems for Beginners, Volume 1 - 4
• Author: Kano Yoshinori
• Translator: Richard Bozulich
• Publisher: Kiseido

Synopsis

• The best starter English tsumego books available on the market.
• This series is a classic for tsumego.
• It features an array of topics to help players reach the next level.
• Recommended for any player remotely interested in getting stronger.

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Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5 Ponnuki

Basic Information

• Title: The Power of the Star-Point - The Sanren-Sei Opening
• Author: Shukaku Takagawa, Honorary Honinbo (translated by John Power)
• Publication Date: July 1988
• Page Length: 134 pages

Synopsis

• This is a fantastic book for players who want to be exposed to lots of different concepts without being inundated with dense diagrams and explanations.
• The book covers a very broad range of material that makes it a valuable purchase for those who have a difficult time with some of the other more dense material.
• Appropriate for 12 kyu and stronger.
• Recommended for serious players and above.

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