GO

For me this is a fairly recent interest although we have had a cheap Go set in the house for many years. In August 2004 my son, Keith, rang me up and suggested that we play the game on the (free) Yahoo Games' Server. I hadn't the time then but I did some Web-browsing later and we played on the Dragon Go-Server (DGS) for some weeks. Keith lost interest after a time but I am still a regular Dragon player. Initially, like many beginners on DGS, I tried to play too many games in parallel and didn't give enough time to consider my moves. Now I just play a few games and usually take on opponents with a limited number of running games.

The Web has many sites describing the game, its history, tactics, strategy, sources of equipment, books, tutorials etc. and there is little point in my attempting to repeat or summarize any of the information here. It suffices to give a few of the links that I have found useful:

• The British Go Association This site offers useful information and links. It also provides a list of member Go-clubs in the UK.
• Sensei's Library, a Wiki site containing a vast amount of information and discussion.
• Dragon Go-Server (DGS) a turn-based, non real-time server, on which one may play an Internet equivalent of correspondence chess. Games are set up and each player may play when it is his turn without the presence of the other. Several games may be played in parallel with the same or with several opponents. Large numbers players from a range of ranks are registered from all over the world.
• Kiseido Go Server (KGS), a well-known and much frequented real- time server. Players log on and play games directly against their opponents. However, once a game has been started it is possible to convert to non real-time in some circumstances. Books published by Kiseido may now be purchased online from another site.
• JagoClient is computer software which provides a board on which games can be played locally and stored, if required, in SGF* format. Existing games in SGF format, which have been stored or downloaded from the Internet may played through. JagoClient may also be used as a front end to other software, for example:
• GnuGo, a freeware (as the name indicates) computer Go playing program.
• GoSuite is an SGF* browser/editor for the Pocket PC and Smartphone. It is also an interface for Gnugo, which is incorporated into the download.
• The Interactive Way to Go, a tutorial, one of many available.
• GoBase, a web site maintained by Jan van der Steen that features many aspects of professional play including a database of games.

* the standard file format for recording Go games.

Page last modified: 17th June 2019