38 Basic Josekis

This book was recommended to me by the strongest member of my Go club. He stated that it would be an excellent introduction to the topic. Without a doubt, he was correct. This book provides the beginner with each of the basic josekis and some common variations. The individuals who rated this book poorly did not identify the "Basic" label in the title, or the subtext identifying the book as a "beginner and elementary Go Book". Unless you already know basic joseki, this book will be a great help. Yes, as time passes, and you get stronger, it will sit on the shelf and collect dust, and you will depend more on a dictionary of joseki, but for understanding the reason for each move this book has no peer. In addition, the global position that justifies each joseki is identified, which is one of the difficulties beginners encounter in applying joseki.

Initially, I got all the other volumes in the Elementary Go Series, but skipped this one based on some of the mediocre reviews that it got here. I bought one of the alternative joseki references instead.After a while, I came back and bought this book. While some of the other reviewers have downrated this book for covering only a limited set of joskei, I found that to be precisely what I needed.By sticking with a set of the most basic joseki, I find that I get less overwhelmed by the sheer number of possibilities, and I also find that the book is able to spend more time explaning each one. This gives me more of a chance to grasp the underlying concepts. It's less of a reference book and more of a textbook.So, I plan to come back to the more complete reference books later. But when you're just trying to get your hands around the material, this is the place to start.

I found this a good introductory work to joseki. It did well in that it addressed the principles behind what was going on. As so many others, I would warn earlier beginners (20kyu or less) to wait before studying joseki. Then, when they do, they must STUDY joseki, not just memorize.I would suppose my only two complaints are that the authors gave not enough attention to what one may do if the opponent steps away from best play. Also, like many strong players, there was no thought given to showing why a final position was balanced or may be good for black or for white. Still, a good book overall.

A well organized study of standard corner plays. As a beginner, this book helps prepare me to see and avoid blunders. When I review my games it helps me see opportunities lost. I have found this book very useful for improving my game.

Well written introduction to opening moves in the corners for players who have progresed beyond the earliest beginner stage. If you are beginning to have a little feeling for the game instead of feeling totally confused, this is a book for you. These opening sequences give an even result locally. The authors (a Japanese and an American professional) discuss how each opening sequence interacts with other areas of the board.