American Go E-Journal » Go Quiz

Eleven out of fourteen of you guessed that it was go writer John Fairbairn who came to dinner recently. For those who do not know, his name does in fact “rhyme” with “bair” sounding the same as “fair.” John has translated many books for Ishi press and is the quieter half of the GoGoD team.  Recently his books from Slate and Shell have been receiving high and well-deserved praise. He attended several Orioles games during his recent visit — and even saw them win! — as well as a Phillies game and a Nationals game. Here we are pictured on our excursion to Frederick to watch a game by the Orioles single-A farm club, the Frederick Keys.  I really enjoyed spending time with John, and look forward to a long and ironic friendship between an English American baseball fan and an American English football fan.
Sadly, the Go Quiz has run its course. Participation is down this year and the response received does not justify the time and space involved.  I really want to thank everyone who participated and everyone who enjoyed the Quiz and I hope some of you learned something and maybe your interest in go was increased in some fashion. Final Standings: Phil Waldron 11/13, Grant Kerr 9/10, Kim Salomony 9/11, Scott Pederson 8/8 and Lin Nei 7/8. Many thanks to Phil Waldron, who never missed a quiz, Grant Kerr, who only got one wrong and my biggest fan Kim Salomony.  Finally, a special thanks to an old friend, one-time rival, and one-time Congress ride buddy who easily wins the all-time award for most wrong answers. You too are namelessly appreciated.
- Keith Arnold

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’:  With plans for next year’s Los Angeles Congress well underway, California will join Pennsylvania, Colorado and Washington as states that have held three Go Congresses.  Most of you knew that Washington (Seattle, Seattle, Tacoma) was the first.

GUESS WHO CAME TO DINNER:  This week I ask a very simple question, who did I have dinner with Friday night?  I suppose a few clues would be helpful.  He is an increasingly prolific go author, he acted as translator for several Ishi Press books, is a huge baseball fan, and ordered the German mixed grill with russett potatoes (not much of a clue, but it was delicious).  The first 4 letters of his last name rhyme with the next 4 letters of his last name.  With a hint like that, it cannot be multiple choice – CLICK HERE to send in your best guess.

Last week’s “simple” multiple choice fooled most of you: Kato Masao (r) not only won the Honinbo, but won it several times, the last time in 2002 at age 55.  The Kisei title is the only one he’s never won.
THIS WEEK’S QUIZ: CONGRESS TIME: It’s about time I plugged the annual U.S. Go Congress in the Quiz.  This year will be the third Congress hosted by Colorado; which state was the first to host three US Go Congresses? Washington, Pennsylvania, California or Virginia?  Click here to vote now.

Folks found this one tough, with just four realizing that this year’s 37th Maryland Open Champion would join 37th Honinbo Cho Chikun, 37th Judan Kobayashi Koichi and 37th Oza Kato Masao as winners of the 37th version of the their respective titles.
THIS WEEK’S QUIZ: KATO MASAO – TO TELL THE TRUTH: We will return to multiple choice for this quiz about the late Kato Masao (r).  Which of these statements, if said by Kato, would be untrue – “I was one of the ‘three crows’ of the Kitani Dojo,” “I was known as “Killer” in the early part of my career,” “I won all the top seven titles, except the Honinbo,” “I was Director of the Nihon Kiin when I died”.  Click here to vote now.
- Keith Arnold