Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 65 votes)
5 stars
21(32%)
4 stars
27(42%)
3 stars
17(26%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
65 reviews
July 15,2025
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So, let's take a little trip down memory lane. I first delved into the world of Go way back during my college days. I made a promise to myself that I would keep playing. However, life had other plans, and I didn't touch the game again until I spent a year and a half in Korea. There, I hung out with the local Korean Go club, and once again, I told myself that this time I would learn to play well. But alas, when I left Korea, I stopped playing, even though I had purchased a whole bunch of Go books, most of which I never got around to reading thoroughly.

Now, after devouring ten volumes of a children's manga series called Hikaru no Go, I find myself inspired. Maybe it's time to dust off those books and see if, at my age, I'm not too old to become a middling player before I bid farewell to middle age.

Anyway, this particular book is the first in a series by Janice Kim, translated from Korean. As the title suggests, it is a starter book designed specifically for beginners. It patiently teaches the basics of Go (or baduk, as it is known in Korea), beginning with the fundamental rules and gradually progressing to elementary strategies. By the time you reach the end, so the author claims, you should be ready to play at around the 15-kyu level (essentially, a beginner who has a basic understanding of how to play but not much more). I wouldn't know for sure since I have never been ranked, but it was a great review for me since I haven't actually played in years. I did read this book in its entirety about ten years ago and found it quite helpful. Now, perhaps I'm ready to take on a not-too-smart computer program or other beginners over the Internet. I'll be sure to keep you updated as I move on to book 2.

I would highly recommend this as an excellent beginner's book. It not only imparts the rules but also provides a plethora of teaching examples for those very simple situations that a beginner absolutely needs to know (i.e., how to avoid making those "DUH!" moves that only a novice would make). I'm not awarding it 5 stars simply because I haven't actually read that many Go books, so I can't accurately compare it to other books targeted at a similar level of novice.

Okay, I'm feeling confident and ready to take on Hikaru Shindo! Let the games begin!
July 15,2025
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Her other books are also excellent!

Each one offers a unique perspective and engaging storylines that captivate readers from start to finish.

The characters are well-developed, with their own distinct personalities and motives.

The plots are filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Whether it's a mystery, romance, or adventure, her books have something for everyone.

Not only are they entertaining, but they also offer valuable insights into human nature and the world around us.

Her writing style is clear and concise, making it easy for readers to follow along and immerse themselves in the story.

If you haven't had the chance to read her other books, I highly recommend giving them a try.

You won't be disappointed!
July 15,2025
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Skvělá série knih pro začínající hráče královské hry GO is an excellent resource for those who are new to the game of GO. This series of books provides a comprehensive introduction to the rules, strategies, and techniques of the game. With clear explanations and illustrations, beginners can easily understand the basic concepts and start playing the game.


The books in this series cover a wide range of topics, including the history of GO, the different types of stones and boards, and the various moves and combinations. They also offer practical tips and advice on how to improve your skills and become a better player.


Whether you are a complete novice or have some experience with other board games, Skvělá série knih pro začínající hráče královské hry GO is a great way to learn and enjoy the game of GO. So why not pick up a copy today and start your journey into the fascinating world of this ancient and challenging game?

July 15,2025
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Solid Introduction Book - Perhaps the Most Solid in English

This book is indeed a great resource for learning English. However, I do have a few complaints.

Firstly, for absolute beginners who are likely to pick up a book like this, it might be a good idea to learn how to play Capture Go before delving into actual Go. This would provide them with a better foundation and understanding of the game mechanics.

Secondly, in my opinion, there isn't enough emphasis on playing on a 9x9 board in this book. New players should probably start with a 9x9 board as it is more manageable and less overwhelming compared to the standard 19x19 board. Spending more time on the 9x9 board would allow beginners to familiarize themselves with the basic strategies and concepts of the game before moving on to the more complex 19x19 board.

Overall, while this book has its strengths, these two areas could potentially be improved to make it an even better learning tool for beginners.
July 15,2025
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I read this book a long time ago, and unfortunately, I no longer have a copy.

This is an excellent beginner's book on go (also known as baduk or weichi).

I found it extremely easy to read, with clear explanations and a wealth of useful information.

I have also read the second and third books in the series, and they are equally good.

What I particularly like about this series is its focus on concepts and general rules of thumb.

Rather than spending hours memorizing joseki or trying to puzzle over sparsely commented professional games, I much prefer this learning method.

It allows me to understand the underlying principles of go more easily and apply them in my own games.

Therefore, I highly recommend this series to anyone who is interested in learning go.

Whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience, these books will provide you with a solid foundation and help you improve your skills.
July 15,2025
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This is a very good book for beginners who are interested in the game of GO.

However, it might be a little too simplistic to truly take you to a higher level. In fact, you would probably need to study the first three books to start feeling a bit more confident in your playing skills.

I have purchased all five volumes. I just completed the second one and am now moving on to the third.

To be honest, they do衔接 quite nicely. Nevertheless, perhaps the entire five-volume set could have been condensed into just two books.

This would make it more convenient for readers to study and might also enhance the overall learning experience.

Despite this minor drawback, these books are still a great resource for beginners looking to learn the game of GO.
July 15,2025
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This guide is extremely helpful.

It涵盖了从棋步背后的哲学到游戏的历史,再到你需要设置并自行解决的问题等所有内容。

If you have any interest in learning GO or improving your game, this is definitely the book you should read.

It provides a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the game, offering valuable insights and practical exercises.

Whether you are a beginner looking to understand the basics or an experienced player aiming to enhance your skills, this guide has something for everyone.

With its clear explanations and engaging examples, it makes learning GO an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

So don't hesitate, pick up this book and start your journey to becoming a better GO player today!
July 15,2025
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I truly relished this experience.

As of the present moment, it stands as the solitary Go book that I have completed. Consequently, without making comparisons to others, I am unable to affirm with absolute certainty that it merits a perfect score of 5/5.

Nevertheless, everything within the book was extremely lucid. The lessons were structured in a highly logical manner, and I encountered no difficulties throughout my reading.

I was particularly fond of the way in which they incorporated information about Go, thereby enabling the reader to better contextualize the lessons.

I earnestly hope to encounter more of that additional information in the forthcoming volumes.

This book has left a lasting impression on me, and I look forward to delving deeper into the world of Go with future installments.

Overall, it has been a thoroughly enjoyable and educational read.

July 15,2025
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This is an excellent introduction to the absolute basics of a game that I have a great desire to play better.

It provides a clear and concise overview of the fundamental aspects of the game, which is extremely beneficial for someone like me who is looking to improve their skills.

The article covers all the essential elements, from the basic rules and controls to the key strategies and techniques.

It is presented in a simple and easy-to-understand manner, making it accessible even to those who are new to the game.

By reading this introduction, I have gained a better understanding of the game and feel more confident in my ability to progress and become a better player.

I highly recommend this article to anyone who is interested in learning the basics of this game and taking their skills to the next level.
July 15,2025
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This is truly one of the best game books I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

It is without a doubt a fantastic primer for those looking to delve into the wonderful world of playing Go.

Even though I still consider myself to be absolutely horrible at the game, after reading this book, I have a glimmer of hope and a sense that I might have a potential future in playing Go going forward.

The author of this book has done an excellent job with the writing. The explanations are clear and concise, and the demonstrations are easy to follow.

Moreover, the book seems to have a genuine desire to have fun with the reader, which makes the learning process all the more enjoyable.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is a must-read for anyone interested in learning how to play Go or simply looking for an engaging and informative game book.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, this book is sure to provide you with valuable insights and useful tips that will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the game.

So, if you are looking for a great game book, look no further than this one. You will not be disappointed!

July 15,2025
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This series was truly a remarkable bringing-up-to-speed for the game of Go.

It provided a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the intricacies and strategies involved in this ancient and captivating game.

The detailed explanations and demonstrations helped both novice and experienced players alike to enhance their understanding and skills.

Through this series, viewers were able to witness the beauty and complexity of Go unfold, as well as gain valuable insights into the minds of the top players.

Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or an advanced player seeking to refine your techniques, this series is an essential resource for anyone interested in the game of Go.

It offers a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and take your gameplay to the next level.

So, if you haven't already checked out this series, I highly recommend doing so.

You won't be disappointed!

July 15,2025
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This resource is truly a great refresher.

It presents information in a very clear and concise manner, making it easy for readers to understand and absorb.

What's more, at the end of each section, there are practice problems. These problems serve as an excellent way to reinforce the concepts that have just been learned.

By working through these practice problems, readers can test their understanding and identify any areas where they may need further study or clarification.

This combination of clear explanations and practical exercises makes this resource an invaluable tool for anyone looking to review and strengthen their knowledge in a particular subject area.

Whether you are a student preparing for an exam, a professional looking to brush up on your skills, or simply someone who wants to learn something new, this refresher has something to offer.

It provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of the subject matter, along with the opportunity to practice and apply what you have learned.

Overall, it is a highly recommended resource that is sure to help you achieve your learning goals.
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