Hello all,

Just recently found Go after studying some chinese history and watching the anime Hikaru no Go, have only been reading articles and webpages mainly from Sensei's Library, gogameguru and a few others as well as some of the recommended beginner books. Unfortunaly living here in England, there doesn't seem to be many nearby clubs at least I have the internet and this forum now

I have just been playing against the computer on many faces of go 12, perhaps I should try one of the online servers soon as I have seen it said that playing against the computer can develop bad habits?

Hello!

Whereabouts in England? There are some UK clubs (see links here and here, though not all may be active).

Most people generally think that playing against the computer makes you develop or strengthen bad habits. (Computers and humans 'think' in a very different way about the game, so it's rather useless to try to emulate computer-style play.) You'll have bad habits anyway, though - we all do - and perhaps more accurate advice would be "play as many different opponents as possible". An advantage of playing real people is that some of them will be able to spot mistakes you make and will point them out for you.

Welcome! The only people with no bad habits are those very lucky few
who started with good pro training from the very beginning.
Otherwise, most amateurs develop bad habits; bad habits are like weeds --
they grow naturally, anywhere and everywhere, at any opportunity,
unless somebody actively curbs them.

Do try out KGS and IGS, when you have a chance. Enjoy.

Welcome!

I second EdLee and billywoods' posts, and add that you already seem to be on your way, since you're already reading interesting Go sites.

Could you list what the recommended books you are reading are? Curiousity.

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