Wanted: a portable goban with printed numbers and letters

[SCWillson]

A board with the rows numbered and lettered would make recreating games for study so much simpler. The only one I've found thus far has the numbers running right to left, which is useless.

I'd prefer wood or vinyl but even a full sized paper one I could print and laminate would be tolerable.

Any suggestions from the go gurus?

[Mike Novack]

A board with the rows numbered and lettered would make recreating games for study so much simpler. The only one I've found thus far has the numbers running right to left, which is useless.

I'd prefer wood or vinyl but even a full sized paper one I could print and laminate would be tolerable.

Any suggestions from the go gurus?

a) Why would numbers running right to left make recording/recreating the games a problem? Mirror reversals or rotations don't change a game in any meningful way.

b) A paper one you could make. The "full size" isn't a big problem as it's not that hard to fasten four sheets of paper together. You were going to laminate anyway so you just need to use great care lining up the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th sheets on the back side laminating base.

[SCWillson]

A board with the rows numbered and lettered would make recreating games for study so much simpler. The only one I've found thus far has the numbers running right to left, which is useless.

I'd prefer wood or vinyl but even a full sized paper one I could print and laminate would be tolerable.

Any suggestions from the go gurus?

a) Why would numbers running right to left make recording/recreating the games a problem? Mirror reversals or rotations don't change a game in any meningful way. -

I think they would if you're trying to recreate a game without a diagram, particularly one you've played because your memory of the game would be a mirror image. No matter or not I want the conventional left to right lettering.

If I have to print one I'll just get it printed at Kinko's on poster sized paper but I'd much prefer something made for the purpose.

[tundra]

I may be missing something here, but to state the obvious: If you're willing to have a board with the grid coordinates A to T, 1 to 19, permanently written on it, why not just get a pen or sharpie and do it yourself? It won't take long, and will save you some money - perhaps it will even save you a lot of money. (Btw, once in a while an old used board comes up for sale on ebay, where you can see that a former owner had done exactly this.)

And if you don't want the coordinates to be permanent, perhaps you could write them on pieces of sticky tape, to be removed later.

Anyways, just a suggestion. If you don't like my thrifty (or miserly) ways, that's fine too.

[EdLee]

A board with the rows numbered and lettered would make recreating games for study so much simpler.

Could you elaborate? I don't see the connection.

[SCWillson]

You haven't seen my handwriting...

The tape idea has some merit if I can't find a manufactured one.

[lemmata]

Hmm. I am not sure if coordinates will help you recreate games since most game records are not in algebraic notation (e.g.: C4, F17). Most game records look like stones on a board with move numbers on the stones.

However, here is one idea: How about screen-printing a T-shirt with a go board on the back? There are many businesses that offer this kind of service online these days (You have to upload your own image).

You can just cut out the board with scissors after you receive the t-shirt. Voila! You have a fabric board.

EDIT: You can also send a file to be printed on larger pieces of paper (or even cardboard) to FedEx Kinkos or a similar printer.

[SCWillson]

Hmm. I am not sure if coordinates will help you recreate games since most game records are not in algebraic notation (e.g.: C4, F17). Most game records look like stones on a board with move numbers on the stones.

I was thinking more about discussions against opponents or fellow players in after-game discussions. ("Then you made an atari at R15 so I blocked it with Q13") or the like.

EDIT: You can also send a file to be printed on larger pieces of paper (or even cardboard) to FedEx Kinkos or a similar printer.

This will probably be the best way to do this. I just need to work up a template.

[gowan]

Hmm. I am not sure if coordinates will help you recreate games since most game records are not in algebraic notation (e.g.: C4, F17). Most game records look like stones on a board with move numbers on the stones.

I was thinking more about discussions against opponents or fellow players in after-game discussions. ("Then you made an atari at R15 so I blocked it with Q13") or the like.

EDIT: You can also send a file to be printed on larger pieces of paper (or even cardboard) to FedEx Kinkos or a similar printer.

This will probably be the best way to do this. I just need to work up a template.

I have seen and participated in countless after-game reviews. The only places I've seen people use the coordinates are: 1) when the the review is being done on a demonstration board for an audience and someone in the audience wants to ask about a move; or 2) on line on a server. If the players and spectators are few in number and all present near the board, people don't use coordinates, they just say something like "If you had played hane here (pointing to the spot on the board) I would have answered there (again pointing to the spot)". If a sequence of moves is involved it is just played out and after it is considered the board is reverted to the game position. Actually, the best way to record a game and/or review is to use a computer and a program like Smartgo. There are undoubtedly apps for tablets or smartphones that would do this, too. In general the coordinates are pretty much obsolete as a paper and pencil method of recording games. Just try replaying a complete game with moves specified only by coordinates. It is not easy.

[Bonobo]

[..] I just need to work up a template.

These might be helpful:
http://www.gungfu.de/go/gobans/grid/
http://www.gungfu.de/go/gobans/konstruk ... lates.html

Good luck, Tom

[phrax]

However, here is one idea: How about screen-printing a T-shirt with a go board on the back? ... You can just cut out the board with scissors after you receive the t-shirt. Voila! You have a fabric board.

Or don't cut it out and it makes packing for trips easier, double-duty clothes/boards. Could be a good conversation starter too. Just be sure to play any games prior to wearing the board on a long sweaty hike.

On a more serious note, you might be able to get a stencil for putting coordinates on the board (I sympathize with bad-handwriting-syndrome). I also think you can get rub-on numbers/letters you could apply to the board (kind of like those kids "tattoos").

[oren]

Usually at my club when we need to talk about coordinates we use column-row numbers. This makes it easy to identify if you just remember star points on 4-10-16.

[SCWillson]

The only places I've seen people use the coordinates are: 1) when the the review is being done on a demonstration board for an audience and someone in the audience wants to ask about a move; or 2) on line on a server.

Since until this past Wednesday I'd never played a face to face game, 99.999999% of my games have been on go servers. Coordinates are very useful there since you can't just point.

[EdLee]

Since until this past Wednesday I'd never played a face to face game, 99.999999% of my games have been on go servers.
Coordinates are very useful there since you can't just point.

Yes, we all know that. But since you can get the co-ordinates in the client software for 99.999999% of your games,
why do you want co-ordinates on your physical board?

[Trebuchet]

Since until this past Wednesday I'd never played a face to face game, 99.999999% of my games have been on go servers.
Coordinates are very useful there since you can't just point.

Yes, we all know that. But since you can get the co-ordinates in the client software for 99.999999% of your games,
why do you want co-ordinates on your physical board?

Because I prefer to replay games on a real board rather than on a computer even when I have the sgf. It's just easier to try out variants and also makes it more "real." I'm not asking for editorializing on whether or not I need a board with coordinates. I want one; that should be enough.

Those who actually tried to help with suggestions instead of pontificating, thank you.