An all new fund to promote play between kids and adults has been set up through the AGF, the Baum Prizes. Leonard Baum passed away last August (see EJ 6-19-18) his daughter Stefi wanted to do something to honor her father’s love of go, and approached the AGF about setting up a long term endowment. “Leonard Baum loved playing (and often losing to) young kids,” writes AGF President Terry Benson. “The idea of the Baum Prizes is to encourage play across generations. Grandfathers often are the most successful teachers of go (and other games) to children. Thus, all games considered for these prizes must have a minimum age difference of 40 years.” Games will all be self paired at the US Go Congress, and any games that meet the criteria are eligible, both rated and non. Kids (and adults) who rack up the most games will win $50 in gift certificates to the go vendors at congress (kids will also get a medal). The prizes will begin at this year’s congress, and will be held every year. The full rules can be found in the official Go Congress App, under Special Events on the schedule. There are eight prize categories:
1) Youth under 12 who plays the largest number of adults – The Badger
2) Youth age 12 to 15 who plays the largest number of adults – The Grasshopper
3) Young player who beats the largest number of adults – The Elder Slayer
4) Young player who beats the largest number of dan level adults – The Dan Destroyer 5) Adult who plays the most games – The Old Hand
6) Adult who loses the most games – The Encourager
7) Adult who gives the most 9 stone (or higher) teaching games – The Teacher
Reach Across the Ages prizes:
8A, 8B, 8C) Three prizes of $20 Go Bucks each ($10 per player) and a medal for the youth player for the three games with the greatest age diference – Reach Across the Ages A, B, & C. -Story and photo by Paul Barchilon, EJ Youth Editor.
