What size stones?

[WhlteLotus]

Hi guys, it's me again.

On this page - http://www.kurokigoishi.co.jp/english/o ... index.html there are a lot of different stone sizes...I'm not too sure what size to get, do you guys have any suggestions?

Thanks again, as always for your time

[msgreg]

Everyone has their own preference. I would strongly recommend you buy and try a variety of glass or Yunzi stones of the thickness you think you want before spending money on a slate and shell set (depending on your disposable income, of course). Most people seem to prefer between 9-10mm, which is approximately size 33-36. It seems to me that choosing thinner is based on cost, though I'm sure someone will respond below to the contrary.

Good luck!

[gowan]

The size is completely up to what works best for you. Some people like thinner stones because they are easier to manipulate in the traditional manner of holding and playing a stone. Of course if the stones are too thin they will be more prone to chipping. I find really thick stones (10 mm or over) are more likely to be dropped on the board which can disturb the position on the board and even require abandoning the game. Personally I like 8.0 mm and 9.2mm best of the sizes I've played with a lot (I have 8.0 mm, 8.8 mm, 9.2 mm and 9.8 mm sets). It always amazes me that one can be sensitive to very small differences in thickness of stones. For example the difference between size 32 (8.8 mm) and 33 (9.2 mm) is 0.4 mm which is about 0.02 inch yet I find 9.2 mm stones definitely more satisfying to use than 8.8 mm stones. I can't explain why I like 8.0 mm stones so much. They just feel right somehow.

[Erythen]

Hello ,

Gowan and msgreg are both correct, size depends entirely on your own preferences and how you like the feel of the stones in your hand.

Mr. Kuroki can offer you some sample stones of various sizes (at a decent price) if your interested, just send him a message.

For a cheap set - Size 24 under - These stones are cheap, easily replaced and very portable, but tend to chip or crack easier than larger sets.

For Portability - Sizes 25 - 30 are the best, they're smaller so don't require large bowls, but still durable and comfortable in the hand.

For Aesthetics - Size 32 is considered the most appealing, based on the standard board surface. However, sizes 31 and 33 would look about the same. There is only a .3 mm difference between sizes and you'll likely not notice it until you get sizes 2 or more apart.

For Professional Use - Size 36 is considered the norm. For professional games (at least in Japan) this is the standard stone size. As a side note, I like the feel of size 36 but that's based on my own personal preferences (still think 32 looks better though).

Size 40+ - These stones are big and very unwieldy, still, if you like the snap of sound on the board, there's nothing better. Unfortunately, you risk deep dents in the surface with these stones (depending on wood hardness).

Mr. Kuroki has only up to size 40 listed and he skips several unusual sizes between 1 and 30. He will likely have these sizes in stock, but unadvertised so you'll have to ask him about them. I know Mr. Bozulich at Kisedo has (or had) a couple standard grade size 44 and 48 stones for under $1000 (50 is the largest). I've seen these in person and they are HUGE!

Anyway, I hope this helps

[EdLee]

Hi WhiteLotus, the others all have nice suggestions -- try it first, and slowly work your way "up".

It took me about 10 years to experience various materials and sizes -- from ~7mm, ~8mm Korean glass stones (biconvex),
to 10mm ING stones, to ~4mm Chinese clay (single convex) flat stones, to ~10mm Japanese glass stones (biconvex),
different shell stones (sizes 33, 36, 38), and back to 10mm ING stones.

Current favorites:

Home use: Kuroki size 38 (10.7mm) standard grade (I heard Cho Chikun's favorite was also size 38.)

Coffee shop: 10mm ING stones.

[imabuddha]

What size stones?

That's a rather personal question.