American Go E-Journal

With large cash prizes and free registration, why not sign up for the YKNOT? Nearly 100 have already signed up, and the registration deadline for the Young Kwon Online Tourney (YNOT) has been extended to this Thursday, January 13. “All levels are welcome,” says organizer Edward (Zhiyuan) Zhang, adding that “There are only a small number of players 5k and below enrolled.” Click here for free registration; AGA life members who live outside of U.S. are also eligible. The five round tournament is scheduled for January 22, 23, 29, 30 and February 5; 1p EST for dan divisions and 6p EST for kyu divisions. Basic time is 1 hour for dan and 30 min for kyu players and overtime for both is 5 periods of 30 seconds. Sponsor Young Kwon 7d believes that “kyu players can improve their strength quickly by recognizing the shapes and patterns, rather than reading/solving the problems.” Thanks to Myungwan Kim 9P’s efforts, the Korean Baduk Association has agreed to award KBA certificates to winners in three divisions (KBA 1 dan for 1k-4k division; 4 dan for 1d-3d; 6 dan for 4d-6d). For first-time web camera users, the TD’s (Skype ID: AGATD1) offer a live Q/A and testing at 1-2 pm on Saturday 1/15. Players may try to connect (or video chat) with “AGATD1” on Skype by then.