Harleqin: A few remarks :) (2007-04-07 13:15) [#3269]

I'd like to comment on a few things you say on this page :)

"The Japanese '49 rules codified traditional rulings..."

Actually, I believe that those rulings were not traditional at that time. Rather, it was just not clear how some situations should behave. The japanese go community at that time was divided over those questions; for example, Shusai held that final kos need not be filled if the player has enough ko threats surplus. It is really a pity that apparently, no go player with a scientifically trained mind stepped up to clarify the rules from the ground up, like Ikeda did. Instead, ad hoc rulings lacking deeper understanding of the game rules were codified. I think that then, all players thought "better than having no rules" and accepted this.

If I had a time machine, I'd send a message to Honinbo Shuei telling him of superko, and the idea that you can play everything out if you restore the end position afterwards...

"My aim is to revise the Japanese rules to provide for an actual encore rather than virtual play, in a way that is clear and easy to understand."

I think that I already did that, though it might be lacking in the "clear and easy" part, but I am working on that.

In order to get "1949 behaviour", you will have to add explicit rules - this shows how unnatural that "1949 behaviour" is, in my opinion.

Just as an example, open ko mouths at the end of the game do exist under all rules, in double ko sekis. Having a single open ko mouth at the end of the game is just a more general case.

I find your idea interesting to just replace some articles from the 1989 rules.

I am looking forward to the innovation that you will present us.