American Go E-Journal » Go News

A second invitation to play in the Canadian Go Association KGS Leagues has been issued to AGA players before the start of the next round on February 15th. “We have about 20 American go players so far from beginner to 8+ dan for a total of about 75,” reports Chuck Elliot. “We would welcome more.” The League games provide an excellent opportunity for players to play serious games year-round, meet friends, and get stronger. Last year’s prizes totaled $450, which Elliot hopes will grow to $2000 in 2012. Visit the League website for more information, and to see the posted rounds. Click on Current Round to see the previous round; click on Annual League Schedule to see all. When you register, send an email saying “Chuck, I’m in” to Elliot at ChuckBrenda@shaw.ca. This offer will be open all year.
– Karoline Burrall, AGA Tournaments Coordinator

Chizu Kobayashi 5P, the charming and enthusiastic Executive Director of the Nihon Ki-in, made a two-day visit to the Seattle area that combined teaching and administration. On Monday, Jan. 23, she visited the Microsoft campus,  gave a lecture,  and then went to the Seattle Go Center to meet with the Directors of the Center. On Tuesday, she toured the veterinary facilities of the Go Center’s new tenant, Companion Pet Care. She then gave lectures in the afternoon and evening at the Go Center. Over 50 people came for her talks, which included her fond memories of the founder of the Seattle Go Center, Iwamoto Kaoru, group go games, and go problems. Photo: Frank Fukuda of the Go Center and Chizu Kobayashi 5P start the evening lecture.  – photo/report by Brian Allen

The second Young Kwon National Online Tournament (YKNOT) is set for March 3, 4, and 10. Registration is free. YKNOT is sponsored by Young Kwon, a former US Open champion dedicated to promoting go in the US (see “The Man Behind the YKNOT Tournament”  12/20/2010 EJ). Players will compete for a total prize purse of nearly $3,000 in one of the largest Western online go tournaments. U.S. players of any strength are eligible for free registration, as long as they are AGA members and have resided in the United States for six of the last 12 months. The tournament will take place on the KGS Go Server. Click here for the YKNOT schedule, tournament rules, and TD contact. Registration closes on Friday February 24th. Players new to KGS are strongly encouraged to review the AGA’s KGS Tutorial and to play a few games on KGS prior to the tournament. THIS JUST IN: The open section of the YKNOT 2 will be scored as the first online North American Ing Masters Qualifier, the players in that section will be able to earn points towards playing in the North American Ing Masters Tournament in Black Mountain, NC in August.
– Karoline Burrall, AGA Tournament Coordinator

The February 25 Year of the Dragon Winter Go Tournament in Atlanta, GA will be the first North American Ing Masters qualifying tournament of the year to be held in the East. The tournament starts at 9a at the Peachtree Executive Office Park. Be sure to register at least 4 days in advance; there’s a $15 entry fee, and prizes will be awarded in all divisions. The players of the high dan division are eligible to win points toward competing in the North American Ing Masters Tournament at the 2012 US Go Congress in Black Mountain, NC. See the Atlanta Go Club’s Facebook page, GT Go Club@Atlanta for more details.
– Karoline Burrall, AGA Tournament Coordinator

Spots are still available in the Chunlan Cup 2012 Selection Tournament for professionals and amateurs 6-dan and stronger. U.S. citizenship is required. Registration closes at midnight on Thursday, February 2nd. To register for this tournament, email tournaments@usgo.org. Click here for full details on the tournament schedule, rules and procedures.