Darrell
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Intro
Now living in Atlanta, GA, USA, I learned Go in 1992 at the Long Island Go Club but do not play for several months at a time due to two children and a career in software development.
Ranking: AGA 7 kyu, current rank on KGS.
I travel to China occansionally and take the opportunity to take lessons and buy Chinese problem books. I am also trying to learn to read Chinese.
Favorite Books
- Imagination of a Go Master by Takemia Masaki
- Tesuji by James Davies
Study Method
Reading is my biggest weakness, so when I come out of go hibernation, I do easy problems. The key is to do this every day. After about two weeks, the pattern recognition areas in the brain are in proper shape. After about a month, my opponents start to compliment my killing skills.
Advice to the Beginner
- Learn the rules. This is easier face-to-face so hopefully you can find a club.
- Create an account on KGS and go straight to the beginner's room. This is free.
- Take some lessons to learn the fundamentals. Audio Go Lessons offers a step-by-step series - 10 hours of structured, professional instruction for about US$20 which is a bargain.
- Enjoy the game. Play 9x9 games in the beginner's room and then 13x13 before trying 19x19.
- When you ready to learn more, look at pages for beginners and consider getting some books such as Learn To Play Go Series or Elementary Go Series.
- Get software to playback a recorded game. I use SmartGo but there are plenty of free options. You can use this to review professional, commented and your own games.