Go for Beginners

Go, an ancient, subtly beautiful game of territory, is the oldest game in the world still played in its original form. This book contains its rules, techniques, a glossary of terms, and a list of international and American Go organizations.

KAORU IWAMOTO (1902-1999) was one of the world's foremost experts on go, a holder of the highest professional Japanese go rank of 9-dan, and twice winner of the historic Honinbo tournament. He spent many of his later years as an ambassador of go, promoting the game in many Western countries. He founded the Iwamoto Foundation in 1986, which helps fund go centers throughout the world.

Preface 7
Introduction by John C. Stephenson, President, American Go Association 8

Part I: The Rules of Go
1: Demonstration Game 15
2: Capture 22
    Liberties 22
    Solidly Connected Stones 23
    Suicide is Illegal 27
    Ko 28
    Life and Death 35
    False Eyes 38
    Seki 44

Part II: Elementary Tactics and Strategy
3: At the Edge of the Board 51
4: Shicho 61
5: Geta and Loose Shicho 64
6: Semeai 64
7: Snap-back and Shortage of Liberties 73
8: Life and Death 77
    Eye Shape 77
    The Death Blow from Within 80
    The Death Blow from Without 81
    Cutting Points 82
    Throw-in Plays 83
    Me Ari Me Nashi 84
    Bent Four in the Corner 85
9: General Strategy 93
    The Corners are Important 93
    Shimari 94
    Extensions 96
    Kakari 99
    The 3-3 Point Invasion 102
    Hasami 103
    Make Territory While Attacking 104
    Thickness 105
10: Ranks and Handicaps 109
    Improving One's Playing Ability 114
11: Example Games 117

Appendix: The Rules of Go 135
Glossary 137
National Go Associations 139
American Go Contact List 141
Bibliography 147
About the Author 149