Actively

The game of Go was created and developed in a particular cultural environment. People who love the game, but are foreign to this environment (like me), have grown in numbers in recent years, thanks to the availability of on-line game servers.  They are mostly beginners, and their remarkable interest in the game is not diminished by the internet experience, but reinforced by it.  It is a new crowd, in many aspects, with different goals. These people will probably find themselves in need of a different kind of advice than the usual. I’m speculating here about what that advice should be, based on my own experience. As usual, comments are welcome.

0) Real balance between two opponents is not given by any rank or rating system; it is only achieved – if at all – as you also constantly play against each other. Otherwise, you will almost always feel your opponents as somewhat stronger or weaker than you (that is even more true if you are a beginner). Your ranking status is meaningless in itself, it is only a tool. To think differently is very tempting, and can easily lead to compulsive behavior that is incredibly hard to eliminate. Actively protect yourself from the euphoria of rank improvement, and from the depression of rank decline. Unless you’re on a tournament, a winning streak means nothing, and a losing streak means nothing. They are usually a consequence of the fact that ranking systems tend to promote stability (some more than others). Right or wrong, the idea is to give players a sense of identity. Don’t forget that in the societies that traditionally cultivate the game (and where the ranking systems were created) the sense of hierarchy has deep roots, and it is not easily translated to our standards (hopefully) based on objective merit and effort. To be a player of the n^th kyu or dan, has more to do with the role you are expected to play in your association, or your local club, than to your self-esteem as a person. That’s why, in the end, it is so important to be able to play at more “personal” environments.

If your game is improving, a sequence of victories will not come as a surprise. If you are preyed by anxiety and compulsiveness, a sequence of losses is what you have coming. In truth, every individual game is unique, and comes with its share of enchantment and/or frustration, there’s no “big picture” in a sequence of games against random anonymous opponents that happen to have the same rank as you. Just keep playing.

1) If your opponent is presumably stronger than you, why make things even easier for them, by playing timidly and erratically? That usually happens because, in that situation, you may feel that you lack a game plan. But playing Go has nothing to do with planning far ahead, anyway. So give them everything you have, play an honest game, fight fiercely from start to finish, use the knowledge of the game that you think you have, even if you don’t feel “in control”, and you will play a worthy game. Moreover, you will get away in peace even if defeated, and humble even if you win.

2) While playing an opponent that is presumably weaker than you, show your respect by playing without mercy, but also without pride. Play an honest game, don’t take shortcuts to victory by playing moves that you know are not the most efficient, but may confuse your opponent. If you must try to avoid yose whenever you play a weaker opponent (in other words: if you are mentally lazy), then maybe Go isn’t the game for you. Strong moves can be rich and full of potential, but their complexity is genuine. This advice is not strictly applicable if you’re desire is to become a teacher, because a teaching game has its own logic. But if that’s the case, educate yourself first: it is not enough to be a stronger player.

3) It took me a long time to find out that an understanding of, well, time, is essential to the game of Go. It is important to choose a time setting that is comfortable for you. It is very important to be able to pace your game, as if your mind was breathing, because it actually is. Find a rhythm of play that suits you, and you will be able to keep your focus during the whole game. That can make a surprising difference. Actively defending your sense of timing should be a part of your strategy: if your opponent’s aim is to distract you on purpose, simply do not engage. Even if your opponent is playing honestly, his timing will probably be different than yours, and that may be disturbing. Accept that as part of the game, and learn to deal with it.

I am not always able to follow these advices, but whenever I did, they have proven to be true.