When the thing creates thick shape, call it 'thick extension'.

Can't believe you are in three digits! (But I also don't believe ratings are irrelevant: in a well-run club they aren't.)

In the opening, don't play too close; and don't ignore contact plays.



In fighting, you need to stay connected. Don't allow your groups to get shut in, and if they do, you need to be aware of the basics about two eyes. Those are the fundamentals.

If you are forever being cut, and running out of liberties, you are probably playing too close (see above).

Tactics begin at cutting points. So you need to see how cutting points arise.

Wow so many responses, I feel bad for not responding back sooner. While there is a bit too much to respond to, I did read all of your posts and I really appreciate all of them. Also Uberdude, thanks for all the examples and diagrams.


No, I meant that I'm above a 20kyu. I thought double digit kyu generally meant people that were 19kyu or better. I did not mean to imply that I'm a 100kyu or something, even I'm better than that.

I'm currently following the advice of playing on 9x9 games. I've played several so far, and its definitely easier to learn basic stuff on a smaller board. I suppose once I get good at 9x9 I should promote to 13x13, and than after that play 19x19. In terms of studying I plan on reading what Oca linked to here:


I've noticed that I always fail at preventing people from invading so I think understanding the strengths and weaknesses of positions could help me alot.

Thanks for everyone's replies I really appreciate it.

Zalor, I've sent you an unranked 9x9 challenge on OGS. I'm only 10k (on a good day!) so you couldn't really regard it as a teaching game, but it will help with the 'play a lot to get a feel for how stuff works' goal! (Trust me, you'll be helping both of us.)

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Confucius in the Analects says "even playing go is better than eating chips in front of tv all day." -- kivi