Life In 19x19

I was browsing the An Appreciation of Go (Marcus' Study Journal) earlier and I noticed several people commenting on working through the games of one or more professionals. That got me thinking. . . .

I have worked through pro games in the past. I've also made an attempt to follow the progress of the top Japanese title matches and challenger leagues. I've enjoyed this but I feel a little like I'm a very small boat in a very BIG pond with absolutely no anchor. I'd like to be able to spend some time with one pro and get to know how he plays.

So, any suggestions on what pro I should begin studying? I don't care if it is a historical figure (dead or inactive) or a current pro. The only thing that matters is that I can get a hold of a decent number of game records.

I feel like a kid in a candy store. I can't choose just one. Can you good citizens of L19 give me some ideas and perhaps a brief description of the style of the player you recommend or something else that would make them stand out as objects of study?

Thanks in advance!

Personally, I'd say Yamashita Keigo for the pure fun aspect.

Used to play crazy go nuts style (for a 9p...). Has calmed down a bit recently but still fun (for me at least) to track. Still tends to go all-or-nothing and either pulls off amazing things or goes down in flames but it usually results in an interesting game either way. Esp. check out his Hane Naoki games.

If you are looking for someone to emulate, I couldn't really say at this time.

Bruce "Fanboy" Young

Go Seigen is a great choice. One of the strongest players ever, his personal history is interesting, and it's easy to find great commented games in English thanks to the efforts of John Fairbairn.

I also picked up some Takemiya Masaki books because I enjoy looking at the style. You can find "This is Go the Natural Way" and go through some games. I have some Japanese books as well with more commentary.

I recommend getting GoGoD. You can find some player whose style or history you like and just follow the games.

I can recommend Sakata Eio, Otake Hideo and Lee Chang-Ho
- Sakata Eio is a GREAT reader, sometimes he pulls very wicked ideas
- Otake Hideo plays very beautiful go, care about aesthetic moves, shapes etc.
- Lee Chang-Ho is more modern player, but pretty calm and probably easier to understand that some other modern koreans or chinese killers


On SL there's a great list of professional styles You can find players that match exactly what you're looking for =)
http://senseis.xmp.net/?ProfessionalPlayersGoStyles

Kato Masao is awesome. He's all about how to seize the flow of a game, settle your groups by attacking, and kill big dragons, all essential midgame techniques for the promising SDK