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Registration is now open for the South Central Go Tournament, coming up February 17-18, in Plano, TX (Dallas area). “The preceding two tournaments have been well attended and provided 6 rounds of exciting play for competitors,” reports Bob Gilman. “The prior tournaments have attracted players from around Texas and from other states as well. There will be both an Open Section (no handicaps), and a Handicap Section. It will be a good chance to meet and play with people from outside your local community.”

The tournament will be an American Go Association (AGA) rated tournament, so players must be current AGA members at the time of the tournament. AGA membership must be taken care of in advance of the tournament.

On-line registration is available here. You can find AGA membership information and join or renew on-line here. Full information (and a link to registration) is available on the event Facebook page.

A dozen teams faced off just before Christmas in the New York Youth Team Go Championship, hosted by the New York Institute of Go.  The five-round event, held December 22-23, was organized by the New York Go Association and held at The New York Institute of Go in Queens, NY.

The Institute’s focus is on popularizing the game, especially among a younger generation of players. This year’s Championship was the second annual competition, providing an opportunity for youth players in the New York City area to meet current students from universities including prominent Ivy League schools.

The teams, with three players each, had players from different regions. The MustWin team (1st table: Cathy Liao, 2nd table: Chenghan Du, 3rd table: Jason Long) swept the 2017 Championship, with The Go Ninga Masters taking second and the Dark Go team in third. The World Champions team won the Best Fighter award. Almost of the players have been learning go for just one to two years, and some had met and played in the first team championship in 2016.

“How did you improve so fast since the last Rating Competition” an 18-kyu player asked another player, who’s now 15-kyu.  “I must practice go more often now.” The MustWin team’s eight-year-old Chenghan Du said “I have to get up early tomorrow morning to study a pro game before tournament, I promised Mrs. Yin to study at least one game per day.”

Institute founder and lead teacher Stephanie Yin called the Championship “a great opportunity for young players to learn from each other, share experience, and improve in and outside go. The success of consecutive youth tournaments led us to encourage the passion of go to prosper.” Starting this year, New York Go Association will offer scholarships to youth players; stay tuned for details. The New York Go Expo and 2017 Dreamworks School Invitational is free event and will be hold on Feb 17-18, 2018 in New York. The event includes pro activities, free rated games, and etc. Details to follow.

 – includes reporting by Stephanie Yin, with help from Aaron Julian; photos by Stephanie Yin

In go, we’re always searching for efficient moves, which accomplish multiple goals. You can help build American go and get a tax deduction by donating now to the American Go Foundation. The vast majority — 98% — of the donations to the American Go Foundation come from individuals like you. Here’s another way: last year the Syracuse Go Club collected from each member and added their support. AGF Teacher of the Year Richard Moseson led his club to give and hopes that “other clubs will consider doing the same.”  “I couldn’t agree more” says Terry Benson, AGF President.  “If go is going to grow, we need every player to help. Pooling donations and using company matching grants are great multipliers for community support of go.” Click here to donate now.