Go!: More Than a Game

Book Description
Invented 2500-4000 years ago, the game of Go has enthralled hundreds of millions of people in Asia, where it is an integral part of the culture. By eliciting the highest powers of rational thought, the game draws players, not just for the thrills of competition, but because they feel it enhances their mental, artistic, and even spiritual lives. Go! More Than a Game uses a uniquely abbreviated form of the Capturing Game, the most modern method of teaching, so that, in a few minutes, anyone can understand the two basic rules and be playing. The ultimate object of Go is surrounding territory, but the problem is that while you are doing this, the opponent may be surrounding you! Using a game- rather than a problem-oriented approach, Go's beautiful complexities begin to unfold in intertwining patterns of black and white stones. These games progress from small 9x9 boards to 13x13 to the traditional 19x19 size. Along the way, all the basic techniques and strategies are demonstrated. Because of Go's unique handicap system, the beginner can quickly begin playing exciting games with anyone at home, in clubs and on the Internet. But Go is 'more than a game' and this book is for more than teaching beginners how to play. Assembled for the first time in one place is the incredible story of how and why the game has thrived in so many cultures for so many thousands of years. Besides chronicling the evolution of playing strategies and styles, the game's roots in ancient Chinese myth, Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism are explored, along with illustrations of its depictions in Eastern art and literature, and its modern role in mathematics, psychology and computer science. Go! More Than a Game is the most comprehensive beginner's book ever written. It will enable its readers to play and converse intelligently with anyone who has ever been involved in the game.


About the Author
Peter Shotwell is an internationally known expert on the relationship of Go to Eastern and Western philosophy, literature, and history. He has been writing about Go for nearly twenty years and has lived in China, Tibet, and Japan while researching the origins and background of the game.


Buy from Amazon     Compare Prices

Shotwell has long written about the ancient Chinese board game that continues to gain popularity throughout the world. Here he introduces it to new players, beginning with exercises on the small student board (9x9). He also discusses its history and philosophy. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


Buy from Barnes & Noble     Compare Prices