Go Basics: Concepts & Strategies for New Players

by Peter Shotwell

Learn the fascinating game of Go with this expert guide.

Go is a two player board game that first originated in ancient China but is also very popular in Japan and Korea. There is significant strategy and philosophy involved in the game, and the number of possible games is vast—even when compared to chess.

It's not surprising that Go is one of the oldest games still being played today—it's also one of the most challenging, stimulating, and fascinating games around. Prolific Go writer Peter Shotwell, author of the guidebook Go! More Than a Game , brings players his second Go strategy handbook Go Basics , which provides a simple but thorough introduction to this timeless game that's perfect for Go beginners.

With its easy-to-follow instructions and over 600 diagrams showing examples of how to play, you'll be ready to enjoy this classic game right away. It starts by focusing on smaller 9 x 9 games, making it easier to understand and learn Go tactics and techniques, and introduces fundamental game winning strategies and tips. It also explains Go's unique handicapping system, making every game even those between beginners and experts exciting.

Useful go strategies Go Basics also includes a CD-ROM developed by the American Go Association that will help you build your skills before testing them against other players.

Genres: Games, Go, Nonfiction, Reference

160 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2005

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid primer to get started learning Go, but definitely have board handy, lots of examples of play, and pieces on a board will enhance the experience. Check it out.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I checked this book out at the same time as Go A Guide to the Game. I like the other book better for learning how to play. But this book does help with understanding some of the art of the game. I thought it was helpful to learn that Go is not like chess. The author explains it as Go is more of an artform than chess....telling that you must see the shapes and forms of the black and white stones. That was probably the most helpful thing I learned in this book.

[Serge Pierro · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is said that a beginner at Go should start on a 9x9 board to learn the basic concepts and strategies. This book is based on that idea and does a decent job at presenting the relevant material. Each chapter presents a concept and gives several examples. It was easy to follow due to the 9x9 board. The book also comes with a CD from the American Go Association. A good book for those wanting to learn Go on a smaller board, instead of a full size 19x19 board.

[Alan Castree · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book teaches you all the basic rules and strategy you need to know to play Go using only a 9x9 board.

I think it's certainly best for beginners to start out on this size board and this book does a wonderful job explaining technique an strategy simply.

It was certainly a good launching point for me into this vast world of Go.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent intro to the game of Go.