Hundreds of go players will converge on the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, NC today for eight days of go at the 2012 U.S. Go Congress. Congress registration is in the Blue Ridge Center lobby area. Click here for 2012 Go Congress Handbook, the 43-page guide to the biggest U.S. go event of the year. The pocket-sized handbook – easily viewable online as well as on your handheld 
device — provides a comprehensive guide to the complete schedule of dozens of activities, from daily tournaments to pro lectures, as well as special events this year, including the first International Go Symposium to be held in North America, the Keith Arnold Challenge, Mountain Top Go, a Friday Night Campfire, pig picking and live bluegrass music. Also included are brief bios of the 17 professionals attending, a handy “Week at a Glance” overview, and site maps.
US Open Check-In: “If you are planning on playing in the US Open, and you are arriving during normal registration hours on Saturday, I’ll be seeing you there to confirm your participation in the tournament,” says U.S. Open TD Karoline Burrall. “You will need to check in with the US Open TD by 9pm. However, if you are arriving late on Saturday (after 9pm), you will need to check in for the tournament by sending me a quick email at tournaments@gocongress.org or by calling at 919-809-7397.” Anyone who does not check in with a TD to confirm participation in the US Open, will not be paired for Round 1 on Sunday morning.
Photo: Congress Directors Paul Celmer (l) and Peter Armenia (r) unload Congress materials on Friday afternoon; photo by Chris Garlock
