I've been lurking on this forum for some time, but finally decided to break down and register as I love the conversation and learn so much reading here.

I had one question regarding KGS private games. Sometimes I want to create a private game, and invite a friend to play one without putting it out there to the world. Is there any way to do this that I've been missing?

I've had a little bit of luck creating a private game in the EGR, and then waiting for my friend to join it, but often I have to prevent others from joining the game first. I don't want to be rude to these players looking for a game, but so far I haven't found any other way to do this.

Most people when waiting for a specific partner will place their user name in the comments section for the game. That should deter most people from trying to join.

Actually, I've found that even if you put "for my friend XYZ" you get tons of people trying to join, which is annoying because (iirc) once other people start joining, you don't get any notification when new people try to join. So either you constantly reject people until your friend joins the game, or you don't realize when he gets in.

Make the game in a smaller room, and be sure to uncheck the "Open games list" option. Either find a relatively low traffic room, or make your own temporary room.

Maybe I'm missing something here, but if you check the "private" box, doesn't that prevent people from joining? Then all you have to do is add your friend to the list of people that can join.
That's what I do, at least.

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a1h1 [1d]: You just need to curse the gods and defend.
Good Go = Shape.
Associação Portuguesa de Go

When I click the "private" box, people can still join and I can't seem to find a way to add anyone to a list of people that can join. I think the private box will keep people from observing once the game has started unless invited though?

I've never understood why people do this.

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"There are no limits. There are plateaus, but you must not stay there, you must go beyond them. If it kills you, it kills you. A man must constantly exceed his level." -- Bruce Lee

Expanding on yoyoma's thought: if you are a super recluse, you can make a private game in a private room you create in which only you and your friend have access.

Once you create a private room, to add access click on "edit" and add a name.

P.S. The room will get deleted when you log out.

Nevermind, I was thinking of starting a review, not a game.

_________________
a1h1 [1d]: You just need to curse the gods and defend.
Good Go = Shape.
Associação Portuguesa de Go