Life In 19x19

I am looking to buy a Go table as a gift for my nephew. He is an experienced player and wanted a proper table in his house.
I see some posted on ebay and they have different wood, different thickness and different numbers associated with the legs - e.g.,
- H 27.8 cm with legs #4 or
- 45 × 42 cm H18 cm Interior table #4 or
- H 25.2cm with legs #12
- Or like legs #26 etc. What is the difference and how do I pick?

Can someone please explain what is the difference? Is height standardized? Is there difference in wood? Legs all seem the same shape, but some boards are thinner and some are very thick with very short legs.

Thanks in advance for the explanation.

You do not say what kind of go player he is...serious? On his way to the pros? Beginner? Plays in a league at college?

Decide on a budget first. Then ask him some questions about his go career. A traditional floor-style board is a wonderful thing to have but it almost requires a room of its own, a dedicated go study/play space.
Such a board can be more of a burden.

If he does not have a complete set, I recommend a fine set of shell and slate stones. Stones get handled the most so nice stones will provide pleasure for the longest time. One can always upgrade bowls and board later.

bogiesan wrote:You do not say what kind of go player he is...serious? On his way to the pros? Beginner? Plays in a league at college?

Decide on a budget first. Then ask him some questions about his go career. A traditional floor-style board is a wonderful thing to have but it almost requires a room of its own, a dedicated go study/play space.
Such a board can be more of a burden.

If he does not have a complete set, I recommend a fine set of shell and slate stones. Stones get handled the most so nice stones will provide pleasure for the longest time. One can always upgrade bowls and board later.

Thank you for responding! He is a highly ranked player and he definitely has room for such a board/table. That is the whole idea, he'll put it to good use. He has a set already. I am just unclear regarding the differences in thickness (height), types of wood and the different 'denomination' for the legs. Perhaps you could shed some light, if you know.

Budget would be the next consideration... more or less than US$10,000?

eBay always has several interesting floor boards, most are used, which is okay--they have real character, many shipping from Japan. The highest priced and most prized boards are made of very old kaya and are quite thick, 20-30cm and more.

I have not seen numbers associated with legs. A link would be convenient. Nicer legs have exquisitely sharp edges, eight large curves or petals instead of six that are more narrow; the differences should be obvious upon close inspection of the photos. Visit kurokigoishiten for a good education in go boards. I have provided some other links below.

badukclub.com sells fine used equipment, brokered through shops in Japan. The proprietor would, I'm sure, be happy to to discuss his inventory and guide you.

IN addition to about six different types of high quality wood (kaya, Katsura, some cedars--watch out for "shin-kaya" which is a cheap substitute, there are many factors that determine the quality of the board: different qualities of cuts come from different parts of the tree, proper aging and seasoning of the lumber, machining and hand-finishing the form, and the process of applying the lines. One thing is certain, if you are buying from a reputable shop, the more expensive the board, the better it will be.


http://www.kurokigoishi.co.jp/english/
http://shop.kurokigoishi.co.jp/en/category/0903
https://senseis.xmp.net/?TypesOfGoBoards
https://senseis.xmp.net/?Kaya
https://senseis.xmp.net/?GoBoard
http://www5b.biglobe.ne.jp/~goban/engli ... rsion.html

https://store.baduk.club
https://store.baduk.club/collections/vi ... ping-96368

No English versions:
https://www.maekawa-kayagoban.co.jp
https://www.miwagobanten.com
http://6brothers.net/product/list.html?cate_no=118

[quote="bogiesan"]Budget would be the next consideration... more or less than US$10,000?
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thank you so much ! That's a lot to take in, will read more.

thank you so much ! That's a lot to take in, will read more.

Please see also PM.

Kurosawa wrote:
thank you so much ! That's a lot to take in, will read more.

My pleasure. I wish there was a simple answer. Rather like buying an automobile; plenty of options.

I hope you get additional advice and recommendations from other, more experienced go board shoppers. Please post photos and an update when you make your decision.