What is the Triangle Go Group?

Our group of enthusiasts was founded over 50 years ago by members of the Duke University Department of Mathematics, including Joe Shoenfield, a prestigious logician, and Dick Scoville. For most of that time we have played together at least once on a weeknight and on a weekend afternoon. Some of the places we have met were the Physics building on Duke campus, Ninth Street Bakery in Durham, Silk Road Tea House in Chapel Hill, and Barnes and Noble in Durham.

In 2006 and again in 2012 our club organized and directed the prestigious United States Go Congress. The Congress was held in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and over 400 players attended from all across the United states. We also had players and professional teachers from China, Japan, and Korea in attendance.

What is Go?

Go is a game played on a board, using small oval markers called stones. The name "Go" is the Westernized version of the Japanese name for the game, which is Igo. In China, the game is called Wei Qi. In Korea, it's Baduk. In any language, it is great fun and an invigorating challenge. 

Go predates chess, although it only began to make inroads in the American psyche in the 20th century. Although the basic rules are simple and can be explained in just a few minutes, a player can joyfully spend the rest of his/her life improving their game. 

Unlike chess, Go has a handicap system that encourages interesting competitions between players of unequal strength, without changing the basic nature of the game.

Typically, Go is played by two persons, using a Go board, a set of white stones, and a set of black stones. The players sit on opposite sides of the Go board, which is marked with a grid of 19 by 19 lines. Each player places one stone at a time on one of the intersections of the 19 by 19 grid. The game is won by the player who ends up with the most points. A standard way of counting points is to count the number of unoccupied grid intersections within the boundaries of a player's territory, and then subtract the number of the player's stones that were captured during play. 

The best way to get started playing Go is to find someone who knows how to play and who can help you learn the game. You can check the AGA website for a club in your area. You can also find players online at several online Go sites such as KGS or IGS. 

For an excellent explanation of the rules, please see http://www.usgo.org/resources/whatisgo.asp or http://senseis.xmp.net/?BasicRulesOfGo.

Why learn to play Go?

Learning to play Go offers a range of intellectual and personal benefits that go beyond simple entertainment.

1. Strategic Thinking: Go is renowned for its depth and complexity, offering virtually limitless strategic possibilities. Playing Go can help develop your strategic thinking skills, as you'll need to plan both short-term tactics and a long-term strategy to outmaneuver your opponent.

2. Problem Solving: Each game of Go presents a unique set of problems to solve, from capturing territory to defending your stones. This constant challenge can enhance your problem-solving skills, teaching you to approach issues from multiple angles and find creative solutions.

3. Concentration and Focus: A single game of Go can last for hours, requiring intense concentration and focus. Regularly playing Go can help improve your ability to concentrate on tasks for extended periods, a skill that's beneficial in many areas of life.

4. Patience and Discipline: Go teaches patience and discipline. Developing a strong game requires careful thought, planning, and the discipline to study and learn from your mistakes. These are valuable life skills that can be applied well beyond the game board.

5. Mental Agility: Go challenges players to think on their feet and adapt to changing situations. This can enhance mental agility, helping you to quickly adjust your strategies and make decisions under pressure.

6. Cultural Appreciation: Go has a rich history, originating in China over 4,000 years ago, and is deeply embedded in East Asian cultures. Learning to play Go can also lead to a greater appreciation of its cultural significance and the philosophies that underpin it.

7. Social Connections: Despite its ancient roots, Go has a vibrant global community. Learning to play can connect you with people from all over the world, whether through local clubs, online platforms, or international tournaments.

8. Relaxation and Stress Reduction: For many, playing Go is a form of meditation and relaxation. The focus required to play can help clear your mind of distractions and reduce stress, providing a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.