Graded Go Problems for Beginners: Vol 1; Introductory Problems

This is a quote from the great go site Sensei's Library ... :"I was reading volume 1, and noticed how well the author introduces Go concepts to the complete beginner. For example: Problem 1: capture Problem 2: capture using the edge of board Problem 3: capture using a corner, capture with a stone in atari Problem 4: capturing multiple stones Problem 5: local area may have unequal numbers of stones? Problem 6: capturing multiple stones with a group in atari Problem 7: as above, but away from an edge Problem 8: capturing two groups at once Problem 9: capturing big groups Problem 10: capturing a big group with stone becoming atari"Yes, some of the problems are simple, but there is something to be learned from all of them, regardless of the difficulty level. Even if some problems are simple to solve for a beginner, spotting them in the first place, specially in a real game situation is not always easy.

I had one lesson from a high ranking go amateur, and after it he gave me this book. At the same time I bought the first book in Janice Kim's series. It took me about a week to solve these problems, and at now I feel I've learned the basic concepts quite well. The first book of JK's series is far simpler, but I don't think her puzzles are as instructive.If you think you're fairly clever, you can do without JK's first book and get this. If you really want to be thorough, first read JK's book and then get this. But either way this is the better book for learning the concepts because you get much more practice.

As a total beginner (I started playing three months ago), this book has been satisfying in a number of respects. It has built my confidence by seeing many of the situations described in the book arising in my own games. It has more importantly taught me how to look at other problems I encounter within a game a see solutions I wouldn't have even thought of before. The layout of this book is really great, it's just approx 300 problems with short descriptions and solutions for each one. Solving the problems are nearly as much fun as playing the game. Anyway, buy this book and study it, it's really great! I look forward to the next three.

The key determinant of playing strength is the ability to read out a problem. This comes from practice. Playing gives us this practice, but playing alone results in bad habits, when moves go unpunished by weaker opponents.The graded go problems are an excellent series, based on teaching problems used in Japan. Volume three continues where volume two leaves of and the problems are grouped getting less easy towards the end. If you are a beginner, you should buy volumes one to four and work through them. If you have volume two, buy three and four today.Research shows that we learn from our successes. We learn from developing the reflex of looking in the right place for successful moves. For this reason volume three,ostensibly for players of 15 - 20 kyu, will profit even low kyu players.How do you get to Carnegie Hall. Practice, practice, practice.

This volume goes beyond the basic mechanics of the game that are covered in Volume 1. The focus is now on life and death problems (though not extremely hard ones), and other localized situations in go. However, it does not cover influence or whole board situations much. However, the book's focus is useful for players looking to drill themselves.This is a good book for players who have gotten beyond the basic mechanics and patterns of the game, and wish to enhance their board reading ability.