Go in Print
This is a briefly annotated list of every
English-language go publication that we have ever
encountered. If you know of an item that isn't listed, tell us -- even better, send us a copy! Hundreds of books,
magazines, movies and other media are listed here. For more
information on a selection:
- Click on the book's title
-- if the book is in print, this will take you to the
publisher's page for that item.
- Click on the publisher --
Most entries include a link to the publisher, where you
can find the latest information.
- Click on EJ review -- if the
item has been reviewed in The American Go
E-Journal, you will find a link to the corresponding
review.
Size and Format: We have
included page numbers in each listing, as well a notation
of the book's format:
- Mini format -- 4.5" x 5.5"
or so, small enough to carry in your pocket.
- Small format -- 4.5" x 7" or
so, about the size of a paperback novel.
- Full size format -- 6" x 8"
or so, about the size of a quality paperback. .
- Oversize format -- 8" x 10"
and up.
In this document:
Changing One's Conceptions: Awaji's Aphorisms
The Heart of Go Discovery Series Vol. 4
by Awaji Shuzo
Awaji's proverb-oriented teaching style, and tales from his"cram school" for amateurs. 262 pp. Full size format. ( Slate and Shell)
Mastering the Basics Volume 6: All About Ko
by Rob van Zeijst and Richard Bozulich
The two author of the popular Magic of Go newspaper column explore "the most intriguing aspect of go." (Kiseido)
Otake's Secrets of Strategy
The Heart of Go Discovery Series Vol. 3
by Otake Hideo
The "revered elder figure" of the famed Kitani Dojo sets forth his own "Ten Commandments of Go", then demonstrates them in action, first with illustrations from typical amateur games, then with examples from famous games throughout history. 254 pp. Full size format. ( Slate and Shell)
Catching Scent of Victory
The Heart of Go Discovery Series Vol. 2
by O Rissei
A top pro tells how he made it to Kisei. The first section focuses on the opening; the rest explores the middle game, often continuing with the same games shown previously The second of seven volumes in the popular Japanese series "The Heart of Go Discovery Series" 225 pp. Full size format. ( Slate and Shell)
Catching Scent of Victory
by O Rissei
A top pro tells how he made it to Kisei. The first section focuses on the opening; the rest explores the middle game, often continuing with the same games shown previously The second of seven volumes in the popular Japanese series "The Heart of Go Discovery Series" 225 pp. Full size format. ( Slate and Shell)
Think Like A Pro: Pae (Ko)
by Young-sun Yoon
"Pae (ko) is the beauty of go!" exclaims the author in Volume 2 of the "Think Like A Pro" series in Korean and English. 187 pp. Full size format.
(Yutopian)
Baduk, Made Fun and Easy
by Chi-hyung Nam
A collection of the Korean author's introductory series of articles, introducing go as "a harmony, contruion and an at." 222 pp. Full size format. ( Slate and Shell)
Perceiving the Direction of Play
by Kobayashi Satoru
A top pro tells how to decide where to develop next in the opening. The first of seven volumes in the popular Japanese series "The Heart of Go." 225 pp. Full size format. ( Slate and Shell)
Pure and Simple: Takao's Astute Use of Brute Force
by Takao Shinji
The author, who won the Honinbo and Meijin in the same year, explores the concept of thickness. 220 pp. Full size format. ( Slate and Shell)
Vital Points and Skillful Finesse for Sabaki
by Yoda Norimoto
A problem-oriented discussion of how to use this important concept to play lightly and flexibly, while making the opponent's stones ineffective, over-concentrated and misdirected. 232 pp. Full size format.( Slate and Shell)
Mastering the Basics Volume 5: Basics of Go Strategy by Richard Bozulich
How the concepts of aji, kikashi and sabaki -- so crucial and unigue to go -- work together. 216 pp. Full size format. (Kiseido) Go Basics
by Peter Shotwell
Shotwell's second book from Tuttle focuses on 9x9 go
to introduce concepts and strategies for new players
in an easy to follow way. Includes the AGA "Go Starter CD" with lots of resources. 154 pp. Full size format.
(Tuttle)
PopCo
by Scarlett Thomas
Alice Butler works for a toy company where everyone plays go.
400 Years of Japanese Go
by Andrew Grant
Drawing on the work of noted go historians John Fairbairn and John Power,
Grant has written a detailed yet accessible illustrated account of the
evolution of the game to its current forms. Includes the records of 37
famous games. Full size format, 204 pp.
(
Slate and Shell).
Workshop Lectures, Vol I
by Yi-lun Yang
Based on workshops given by the dean of American teachers in 2005 and 2006
on "When to Tenuki in the Opening," "Choosing the Direction of Attack" and
"Playing Complicated Joseki." Full size format, 68 pp.
(
Slate and Shell)
Workshop Lectures, Vol II
by Yi-lun Yang
More of Mr. Yang's workshops on "How to Invade," "Choosing the Correct Pincer," "Side Extensions in the Opening" and the difference between "Playing A Territorial Game" and "Playing a Moyo Game." Full size format, 81 pp. ( Slate and Shell)
Workshop Lectures, Vol III
by Yi-lun Yang
Here Mr. Yang discusses
"Playing the Opening," "Developments Around the 4-4 Point," "Punishing Weak Groups Directly," "Using Forcing Moves" and "Handling Weak Stones" discusses how to defend weak stones. Full size format, 76 pp. ( Slate and Shell)
Think Like a Pro: Haengma (Shape)
by Youngsun Yoon
Examples of haengma (shape) in four categories: taking control, breaking out,
attacking, and shapes derived from jeong-sook (joseki). Text in both English
and Korean. Full size format, 192 pp.
(
Yutopian)
Go: The World's Most Fascinating Game
by the Nihon Kiin
The Japan Go Association's official English language introduction to the
game, updated in 2003. Full size format, 189 pp. Available from the Nihon Kiin.
All About Joseki
by Mingjiu Jiang 7P and Guo Juan 5P
Two popular teachers team up to review the basics,
reviewing amateur games and identifying common errors.
(
Slate and Shell)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
WeiQi in
Culture
Volume 1: Introductory teaching Lectures
by
Wu Song-sheng 9-Dan
Mr. Wu, a top Chinese player since the 1960's, intersperses
essays about the value of go with a description of the game
for the complete beginner. Full size format, 84 pp.
(Yutopian)
A Journey in
Search of the Origins of Go
by
Shirakawa Masayoshi
An award-winning Japanese writer and anthropologist travels
to China to investigate 3000 years of go history. Full size
format, 244 pp. (Yutopian)
Dictionary of Basic Tesuji (four volumes)
by Fuujisawa Shuko 9-Dan
A great champion reveals clever plays you never dreamed of.
Full size format. (Slate and Shell)
[return to top]
The Way
to Go
by Karl Baker
Download and
print this free brief introduction to the game (46 pages)
developed by the AGA, intended for the complete beginner,
available online.
Learn to Play Go
by Jeong Soo-hyun and Janice Kim
This series of
introductory books, co-authored by U.S. pro Janice Kim
3-Dan, is based on lessons from her teacher, Korean
professional Jeong Soo-hyun 9 Dan. Full size format.
(Samarkand).
Click here to read the E-Journal
review of the series.
Go! More Than a Game
by Peter Shotwell
A game-oriented approach to learning the game along with an
anthropological look in depth at the game's fascinating
history. Full size format,181 pp. (Tuttle)
Click here to read an
E-Journal review.
Click here to read another
E-Journal review.
Go Basics
by Peter Shotwell
Shotwell's second book from Tuttle focuses on 9x9 go
to introduce concepts and strategies for new players
in an easy to follow way. Includes the AGA "Go Starter CD"
with lots of resources. 154 pp. Full size format.
(Tuttle)
The Book of Go
by William Cobb
An introduction to go through the "Capture Game" method,
which Cobb learned while training as an International Go
Instructor in Japan. Includes boxes of plastic stones and a
9x9/13x13 board. Full size format, 124 pp. (Slate and
Shell)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Teach Yourself Go
by Charles Matthews
A systematic and thorough introduction. Part of NTC
Publishing Groupís Teach Yourself series.
Full size format, 212 pp.
Go - A Complete
Introduction to the Game
by Cho Chikun
One of Japan's top pros wrote this introduction; chapters
describing the history, cultural significance, possible
relation to intelligence and other aspects of go are
interspersed with descriptions of how to play. Small
format, 170 pp. (Kiseido)
Baduk, Made Fun and Easy
by Chi-hyung Nam
A collection of the Korean author's introductory series of articles, introducing go as "a harmony, contruion and an at." 222 pp. Full size format. ( Slate and Shell)
WeiQi in
Culture
Volume 1: Introductory teaching Lectures
by
Wu Song-sheng 9-Dan
Mr. Wu, a top Chinese player since the 1960's, intersperses
essays about the value of go with a description of the game
for the complete beginner. Full size format, 84 pp.
(Yutopian)
Go Pack
by Matthew Macfadyen
Includes The Game of Go (128 pp.), an introduction
by British champion Matthew Macfadyen, and equipment.
EZGO: Oriental
Strategy in a Nutshell
by Bruce and Sue Wilcox
A lighthearted, highly
readable romp through Bruce Wilcox's "Instant Go" theories,
in his unique style. Full size format,266 pp. (Ki
Press)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
EZGO: An Overview
The essence of Wilcox's beginner theories, in a free
download!
Master Go in
Ten Days
by Xu Xiang and Jin Jiang Zheng
All the fundamentals in ten chapters, including extended
analysis of three famous games. A standard text for
aspiring players in China. Full size format,172 pp.
(Yutopian)
Go for
Beginners
by Kaoru Iwamoto
Written by a top-ranking Japanese professional who
devoted himself wholeheartedly to spreading go in the West.
Small format, 160 pp. (Pantheon/Random House)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Let's Play Go!
by Yasutoshi Yasuda
Written specially for children by the author of Go as
Communication (see "Other books" below), who has been
teaching go to children in Japan for many years. Full size
format, 74 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Go For
Kids
by Milton N. Bradley
A detailed introduction interspersed with cartoons,
intended especially to engage a young audience. Full size
format,250 pp. (Yutopian)
A Scientific
Introduction to Go
Ing Foundation Director Yang Yu-chia has written a unique
introductory book, a large format, soft cover "Whole Earth
Catalog" of go, stuffed with useful insights, interesting
information and a new way of expressing the basic concept
of the game to the Western beginner. Oversize format, 288
pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read an
E-Journal review.
How to Play Go
by Takagawa Shukaku
A classic introduction by
the legendary master who held the Honinbo, Japan's top
title, for almost 10 years. (Out of print)
Vital Points of Go
by Takagawa Shukaku
A companion volume to
How to Play Go, with deeper descriptions of the
fundamental principles. (Out of print)
Go and Go-Moku: the Oriental Board Games
by Edward Lasker
First published in 1934, this classic has been overshadowed
by several recent excellent books for beginners, but
probably did more than any other book to put go "on the
map" in America in the mid-1900s. Lasker, a grandmaster of
chess himself and the nephew of the great Emanuel Lasker,
was one of the founders of the American Go Association.
Small format, 215 pp. (Dover)
The Game of Go: The National Game of Japan
by Arthur Smith
Originally published by Charles E. Tuttle Company, Inc.,
1956, this book may still be found here and there, although
Tuttle has replaced it with Go: More Than a Game
(see above). (Out of print)
The ABC of Go
A complete review of this out-of-print introduction by
Walter De Havilland, the father of Olivia De Havilland and
Joan Fontaine. (Out of print)
Invitation
to Go
by John Fairbairn
A short (81 pp) introduction by the esteemed british
writer. Small format. (Dover)
A Go Primer
by Gilbert Rosenthal
n introductory monograph circulated in the US in the
1940's. Oversize format, 81 pp. (Out of print)
Go: The World's Most Fascinating Game
by the Nihon Kiin
The Japan Go Association's official English language introduction to the
game, updated in 2003. Full size format, 189 pp. Available from the Nihon Kiin.
[return to top]
The Second Book of
Go
by Richard Bozulich
Aiming to fill the gap
between introductory books for the total beginner and
instructional materials aimed at more experienced players,
this book spells out the basics. The four-volume Graded Go
Problems for Beginners was written specifically to
accompany this book. Full size format,122 pp.(Kiseido)
Click here to read an
E-Journal review.
Click here to read another E-Journal
review.
Graded Go Problems
for Beginners (Four Volumes)
by Kano Yoshinori
Over 1500 problems in all that will help new players reach
mid-kyu strength. Full size format. (Kiseido)
Click here to read an
E-Journal review.
Click here to read another
E-Journal review.
Elementary Go Series (7
volumes)
Seven volumes covering all aspects of the game, designed to
bring the novice player up through the kyu ranks toward
dan-level. A generation of go players has cut its teeth on
these books. Small format. (Kiseido)
Mastering the Basics (5
volumes)
Kiseido's latest series aims to strengthen the reader's
grasp of fundamentals by reinforcing lessons from The
Elementary Go Series with lots of problems. Full size
format,(Kiseido)
Get Strong at Go (ten
volumes)
This series, designed for more
advanced study, sets forth fundamental concepts and
illustrates them with dozens of problems. Full size format.
(Kiseido)
Nihon Kiin Small
Encyclopedia
from the Nihon Kiin
Translations of the popular Japanese "Quick Sudy"series.
Full size format. (Yutopian)
Speed Baduk for Beginners
Volume I
Volume II
Volume III
Answers to Problems Vol I, II & iII
by Sung-Rae, Kim Pro 1 dan
Problem-oriented format intended to express complex
concepts in simple terms, over 500 pages in all. Answers
sold separately. Oversize format. (Yutopian)
Train Like a Pro
Volume I
Volume II
Answers to Problems Vol I & II
by Sung-Rae, Kim Pro 1 dan
Problem-oriented format intended to express complex
concepts in simple terms, over 350 pages in all. Oversize format.
(Yutopian)
(Slate and Shell)
The Heart of Go Discovery Series
Top Japanese pros address the needs of the average player. Published by Hinoki Press. Full size format. (Slate and Shell)
Volume 1: Perceiving the Direction of Play
by Kobayashi Satoru
A top pro tells how to decide where to develop next in the opening. 225 pp. ( Slate and Shell)
Volume 2: Catching Scent of Victory
by O Rissei
A top pro tells how he made it to Kisei. The first section focuses on the opening; the rest explores the middle game, often continuing with the same games shown previously The second of seven volumes in the popular Japanese series "The Heart of Go Discovery Series" 225 pp. Full size format. ( Slate and Shell)
Volume 3: Otake's Secrets of Strategy
by Otake Hideo
The "revered elder figure" of the famed Kitani Dojo sets forth his own "Ten Commandments of Go", then demonstrates them in action, first with illustrations from typical amateur games, then with examples from famous games throughout history. 254 pp. Full size format. ( Slate and Shell)
Volume 4: Changing One's Conceptions: Awaji's Aphorisms
by Awaji Shuzo
Awaji's proverb-oriented teaching style, and tales from his"cram school" for amateurs. 262 pp. Full size format. ( Slate and Shell)
Lessons in
the Fundamentals of Go
by Toshiro Kageyama
Highly readable and entertaining, accessible to all
players, but with deeper meaning for stronger players, who
tend to return to the book again and again. Small format,
268 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read an
E-Journal review.
Click here to read another
E-Journal review.
Step Up To A
Higher Level
by Abe Yoshiteru 9-Dan
Test your skill with this series of 150 problems. Includes
sections on the opening, capturing, shape, life and death,
and the endgame. Full size format, 156 pp. Full size
format,(Yutopian)
The Breakthrough to
Shodan
by Miyamoto Naoki
Every
beginner's dream is to become shodan, or master. Reaching
shodan is equivalent to receiving an "Expert" rating in
chess. This book focuses specifically on technical problems
that often plague the near-master-level player. Full size
format, 158 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Come Up to Shodan
by Rin Kaiho
A great champion takes a brief look at the skills you will
need to earn your "black belt" in go. This series of
articles originally appeared in Go Review a monthly
English-language magazine published by the Japan Go
Association in the 1960's. Full size format, 42 pp.
(Slate and Shell)
Basic Techniques of
Go
by Haruyama and Nagahara
Excellent chapters on 9-, 6-, and 4-stone handicap go, as
well as sections on tesuji and endgame play. Full
size format, 169 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Strategic Concepts
of Go
by Nagahara
Almost poetic in its attempt to
describe several fascinating, elusive concepts. Some say
this is the simplest book ever written on go; others say it
is the most difficult of all go books for even strong
players to understand. Both may be right. Full size format,
138 pp. (Kiseido)
Go Proverbs
by David Mitchell
In the 1960ís
Segoeís Go Proverbs Illustrated, now out of
print, taught the Western world the principles of sound
play. Now David Mitchell has refined some of Segoeís
thoughts, while also presenting some original material.
Twenty-two proverbs are defined in all, including "Eyes win
semeais" and "Strange things happen at the 1-2 point." Full
size format, 62 pp. (Slate and Shell)
All About
Thickness
by Ishida Yoshio
The concept of "thickness" is
so important, and so difficult to grasp, that it deserves
separate consideration in its own book. Here, it is made
easier to understand with large diagrams, simple
explanations, and colorful explanatory phrases and arrows.
Full size format, 192 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Intermediate Level Power
Builder Volume I (153 pp.) and
Volume II (148 pp.)
by Wang Runan 9-Dan
Transcripts of 13 lectures on the fundamentals from Chinese
television with plenty of explanatory diagrams. Full size
format. (Yutopian)
Click here to read an
E-Journal review.
Click here to read another
E-Journal review.
100
Challenging Go Problems for 100 Days of Study
from the Nihon Kiin
A selection of problems taken from Kido magazine's
"Challenge Corner," which offers ranking diplomas to
readers who mail in the correct answers to a given number
of problems, which test the reader on every facet of the
game. These are really hard! Full size format, 220 pp.
(Yutopian)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Test Your Go
Strength
by Naoki Miyamoto
Fifty whole-board problems: choose among five possible
moves. It won't necessarily tell you your real strength,
but the problems are entertaining and instructive. Full
size format, 213 pp.)(Kiseido)
Sabaki: How to Manage Weak Stones
Based on lectures by American master teacher Yi-lun Yang.
106 pp. (Wings Across Calm Water Go Club)
Click here to read the E-Journal
review.
Click here to read another E-Journal
review.
Fundamental Principles of Go
by Yi-lun Yang 7-Dan
America's greatest teacher has spent years thinking about
how to explain the essence of go to the Westernm mind. This
book is the result of those efforts. . Full size format,
188 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Think Like a Pro: Haengma
by Youngsun Yoon
Examples of haengma (shape) in four categories: taking control, breaking out,
attacking, and shapes derived from jeong-sook (joseki). Text in both English
and Korean. Full size format, 192 pp.
(Yutopian)
Think Like A Pro: Pae (Ko)
by Young-sun Yoon
"Pae (ko) is the beauty of go!" exclaims the author in Volume 2 of the "Think Like A Pro" series in Korean and English. 187 pp. Full size format. (Yutopian)
A Way of Play for the 21st Century
by Go Seigen
The greatest player of the
20th century, and possibly of all time, is still
alive and absorbed in the study of go. In the
1930's, he and Kitani discovered a "new fuseki" that
revolutionized play throughout the world of professional
go. Here, the master presents the fundamentals of good play
with his own unique insights. Full size format, 263 pp.
(
Slate and Shell)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Improve Your Intuition
by Shukaku Takagawa
A great Japanese go master
shows how to quickly perceive basic features of the
situation on the go board in this series of three booklets.
(Slate and Shell)
Positional
Judgment: High-Speed Game Analysis
by Cho Chikun
"Rich men donít pick
fights," the proverb says. If youíre ahead, play
safely; if not, you need to fight for the lead. When you
know how to estimate the balance of territory and
influence, you can decide whether to fight or play
cautiously. Full size format, 178 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
The Art of
Positional Judgment
by Nie Weiping
Nie was the first famous player to emerge when China
entered the international go scene in the 1970s. Includes
detailed analysis of many of his games. Full size format,
197 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read an
E-Journal review.
Click here to read another
E-Journal review.
Golden
Opportunities
by Rin Kaiho
"The weak wait for opportunities to
arrive. The strong search for and grasp opportunities. The
wise create their opportunities," says the preface. The
author of Come Up to Shodan examines this theme on
the go board, while drawing on the lives of Davy Crockett,
Napoleon, Joseph Pulitzer and others to illustrate the same
theme in a broader context of life. Full size format, 308
pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.Lectures on
Go Technique
by Cho Hun-hyeon
An elucidation of basic go elements ñ surrounding
and secaping; connecting and cutting; attachments;
diagonals; tigers (hangs); empty triangles; and hane
ñ with 45 full-board problems so the readers can
test his new knowledge. Full size format, 222 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read an
E-Journal review.
Click here to read another
E-Journal review.
Tesuji and
Anti-Suji of Go
by Sakata Eio
In this volume, Sakata takes up
the question of good style, examining 61 model positions to
find the elegant move and its undesirable opposite. Full
size format, 224 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
36
Stratagems Applied to Go
by Ma Xiaochun
The 36 Stratagems is an ancient
classic Chinese treatise on military theory, written in a
style similar to the Tao Te Ching. Ma shows that these
precepts can be applied on the go board as well. Full size
format, 200 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Strategic
Fundamentals in Go
by Guo Tisheng and Lu Wen
The first English-language book to discuss strategy from a
Chinese viewpoint, in a series of ten lessons. Full size
format, 167 pp. (Yutopian)
[return to top]
All About Joseki
by Mingjiu Jiang 7P and Guo Juan 5P
Two popular teachers team up to review the basics,
reviewing amateur games and identifying common errors.
(Slate and Shell)
Opening Theory Made
Easy
by Otake Hideo
Twenty easy-to-grasp principles
that will help low- and mid-level players get off to a
better start in your games. 167 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Dictionary of Joseki
by Ishida Yoshio
A comprehensive survey of openings, by one of the modern
masters. A must for the reference library of every serious
player. Full size format. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Dictionary of Basic
Joseki
by Rin Kaiho
A great master catalogs the great
opening strategies of the 20th century. Full size format,
510 pp. in all. (Yutopian)
A Dictionary of
Modern Fuseki: The Korean Style
A massive compliation of Korean approaches to standard
opening patterns. Does this book explain why Korean players
dominate international go? Oversize format, 290 pp.
(Kiseido)
Click here to read an
E-Journal review.
Click here to read two additional
E-Journal reviews.
Whole Board Thinking in
Joseki
byYi-lun Yang Pro 7-Dan and Phil Straus
"Think globally, act locally" the authors tell, then
explain in deatil how to utilize a whole board perspective
to do the riht thing in a local situation. Full size
format. (Slate and Shell)
Enclosure
Josekis
by Takemiya Masaki
Japan's most popular pro explains when and how to invade
when the opponent has already enclosed the corner with two
moves Small format, 205 pp. . (Kiseido)
Essential
Joseki
by Naiwei Rui
This Chinese 9-dan is active in the Korean tournament
scene. So active, in fact, that she won the 2000 Kuksoo
Title, becoming the first woman in history to win a title
not restricted to woman players. In this book she draws on
knowledge she gained while studying with the great Go
Seigen in Japan. Full size format, 228 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read an
E-Journal review.
Click here to read another
E-Journal review.
Click here to read another
E-Journal review.
The
Direction of Play
by Kajiwara Takeo
Classic elucidation of a strategic
concept that plays a key role in every opening, by an
entertaining, opinionated character. Sample chapter title:
"Move Two Lost the Game." Small format, 248 pp. (Kiseido)
Korean Style of Baduk 1
by Chang-ho Lee and Sung-rai Kim
The greatest living player discusses the avalache
jongseok (corner pattern) and the mini-Chinese
opening. The first of a three volume series. Oversize
format, 280 pp. (
Yutopian) (
Slate and Shell)
Modern Joseki and Fuseki Vols.
I & II
by Sakata Eio
Detailed analysis of local and global considerations in the
opening. Full size format, 346 pp. (Kiseido)
The Great Joseki
Debates
by Honda Kunihisa
Originally serialized in Go World magazine, these
"debates" look at 24 common positions, examining various
alternative moves in detail. Full size format, 254 pp.
(Kiseido)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
The Chinese Opening:
A Sure-Fire Win Strategy
by Kato Masao
This distinctive arrangement of
three stones along the side is the most popular opening
today. Kato explains why, and what to do about it. Full
size format, 142 pp.(Kiseido)
Click here to read two E-Journal
reviews.
The Power of the Star
Point
by Takagawa Shukaku
Explains how to make use of stones played on the handicap
points (4-4). This is the "new fuseki" that Kitani and Go
Seigen brought to prominence in the 1930ís. Full
size format, 133 pp. (Kiseido)
The 3-3
Point
by Cho Chikun
Neglected since Kitani's time
because of its emphasis on territory, the 3-3 point opening
can work quite effectively, and is likely to surprise your
opponent! Small format, 214 pp. (Kiseido)
Go Problems for Kyu Level
Players
from the Nihon Kiin
This six-volume series of books you can fit in your shirt
pocket. Mini format. (Slate and Shell)
Jungsuk In Our
Time
by Seo Bong-soo and Jung Dong-sik
translated by Chi-hyung Nam
A discussion of the opening from the Korean point of view.
Full size format, 351 pp.
(Slate and Shell)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Five Hundred and
One Opening Problems
The title says it all. Volume 2 of the "Mastering the
Basics" series. Full size format. (Kiseido)
Click here to read an
E-Journal review.
Click here to read another
E-Journal review.
Punishing and Correcting Joseki
Mistakes
by Ming-jiu Jiang Pro 7-Dan
What to do when thjings go wrong in the opening. Full size
format, 120 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Workshop Lectures, Vol I
by Yi-lun Yang
Based on workshops given by the dean of American teachers in 2005 and 2006
on "When to tenuki in the opening," "choosing the direction of attack" and
"playing complicated joseki." Full size format, 68 pp.
(
Slate and Shell)
Workshop Lectures, Vol II
by Yi-lun Yang
More of Mr. Yang's workshops on "How to Invade," "Choosing the Correct Pincer," "Side Extensions in the Opening" and the difference between "Playing A Territorial Game" and "Playing a Moyo Game." Full size format, 81 pp. ( Slate and Shell)
Workshop Lectures, Vol III
by Yi-lun Yang
Here Mr. Yang discusses "Playing the Opening," "Developments Around the 4-4 Point," "Punishing Weak Groups Directly," "Using Forcing Moves" and "Handling Weak Stones" discusses how to defend weak stones. Full size format, 76 pp. ( Slate and Shell)
[return to top]
All About Life and Death (two
volumes)
by Cho Chikun
Pros and strong amateurs agree: to
get stronger, study life and death. This comprehensive look
at the subject tells you most of what you need to know.
Full size format, 346 pp. (Kiseido)
Yi-lun Yang's Ingenious Life
and Death Problems (two volumes)
Mr. Yang has been teaching go full time in the United
States, so he understands the specific needs of Western
players. He is also a devoted student of life and death,
creating a new life-and-death problem every day as part of
his daily routine. Blending these areas of expertise, he
has produced Volume I (224 pp.)
and Volume II (214 pp.).Full
size format. (Yutopian)
Yilun Yang's Go
Puzzles
Volume 1: Life and Death by the Numbers
by Yi-lun Yang 7-Dan
A delightful collection of 40 problems, in which the Black
stones are arranged in the form of numbers "1" through
"40".You may never see theseproblems in an actual game, but
they are fun and instructive to solve. Mini format,100 pp.
(Slate and Shell)
Volume II: Life and Death in Chinese Characters
by Yi-lun Yang 7-Dan
Learn how 50 common words are written in Chinese while
solving life-and-death problems based on each character.
Mini format,103 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Igo
Hatsuyo-ron: Life and Death from the 18th
Century
from the Nihon Kiin
First published in 1713, this collection of 63 problems
evokes a bygone era while illustrating the timeless nature
of go. Full size format, 196 pp. (Yutopian)
Life and Death: Intermediate Level Problems
by Maeda Nobuaki
110 classic problems in a book small enough to fit in your
back pocket. Maeda is known as a leading life-and-death
expert in Japan. 140 pp. (Slate and
Shell)
Go Problems for Kyu Level
Players
from the Nihon
Kiin
Wallet-sized collections of problems that you
can take with you anywhere. Mini format. (Slate and
Shell)
[return to top]
Most teachers agree that to improve oneís
strength, nothing beats studying professional games like
the ones found in these collections.
Invincible: The Games
Of Shusaku
edited by John Power
In a class by itself, with
detailed reviews of more than 80 games played by the man
who may have been the greatest go player of all time.
Oversize format, 419 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Tournament Go
1992
translated by John Power
In 1992, Go
World temporarily suspended publication John Power,
the journal's editor, filled this gap in English-language
coverage of top Japanese pro tournaments by publishing
everything that would have appeared, and more, in one
volume. With extensive comments on more than 50 games, this
is a unique resource for the aspiring serious player.
Oversize format, 264 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
The 1971 Honinbo
Tournament
In-depth analysis of a title bout between two of the great
modern masters: Ishida Yoshio and Rin Kaiho. Full size
format, 203 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Appreciating Famous
Games
by Ohira Shuzo
Detailed review of ten great
games from Japanese go history. Small format, 279 pp.
(Kiseido)
Cho Hun-hyeonís Life and Master Games
Through analysis of twenty great games, the author shows
how he managed to completely dominate Korean go for twenty
years until the rise of Lee Chang-ho in the early
1990ís. Full size format, 234 pp. (Slate and
Shell)
Go on Go
by Go Seigen 9p
A series of his own now famous games commented almost move
by move by the master himself. Full size format, 539 pp.
(Wings Across Calm Water Go Club)
The Best Play: In-Depth Game Analyses
by Feng Yun
From a series of lectures given in
2002 by the former World Women's Champion, now living and
teaching in the US. Full size format, 53 pp. (Slate and
Shell)
Click here to read an E-Journal
review.
Understanding How to Play Go
by Yuan Zhou
Written by a top American amateur,
this book goes into move-by-move detail, examining seven
games between top amateurs in great detail. Full size
format, 210 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Click here to read an
E-Journal review.
Click here to read another
E-Journal review.
Click here to read another
E-Journal review.
Dramatic
Moments on the Go Board
by Abe Yoshiteru
This collection of classic
oversights ("tragicomedy in the endgame," "hullabaloo in
the middle game," "turning points in the opening," and so
on) will amuse and instruct. Written by a 9-Dan Japanese
professional. Small format, 220 pp. (Yutopian)
Beauty and
the Beast
by Shen Guosun
Game analysis focusing on prominent Chinese professionals,
interspersed with colorful anecdotes about them. Full size
format, 172 pp. (Yutopian)
[return to top]
Vital Points and Skillful Finesse for Sabaki
by Yoda Norimoto
A problem-oriented discussion of how to use this important concept to play lightly and flexibly, while making the opponenot's stones ineffective, over-concentrated and misdirected. 232 pp. Full size format.( Slate and Shell)
501 Tesuji
Problems
by Richard Bozulich
Volume Four of the problem-oriented "Mastering the Basics" shows the 45 or so most common types of clever move that
can save the day. (Kiseido)
Dictionary of Basic Tesuji (four volumes)
by Fuujisawa Shuko 9-Dan
A great champion reveals clever plays you never dreamed of.
Full size format. (Slate and Shell)
200 Tesuji Problems
by Shirae Haruhiko 7-Dan
From the popular Nihon Kiin Pocket Series. Full size
format, 212 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Reducing Territorial
Frameworks
by Fujisawa Shuko
A comprehensive review of
techniques for erasing the opponent's influence and
territory without invading. Full size format, 200 pp.
(Kiseido)
Keshi and Uchikomi: Invasion and Reduction in
Go
by Iwamoto Kaoru
During the 1980's, chapters from the study of middle game
techniques were among the most popular features in The
American Go Journal. Now those articles have been
reassembled for publication in book form, along with
additional material that has never appeared in English.
Full size format, 206 pp. (AGA/Slate and
Shell)
Click here to read the E-Journal
review.
Utilizing
Outward Influence
by Jin Jiang and Zhao Zheng
Deepens your
understanding of this elusive concept with a brisk outline
of principles, followed by fifty problems and explanations.
Full size format, 140 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Attack and Kill
by Kato Masao
At one time Kato was known as "The Killer." This book tells
how he selects targets and finishes them off, and shows
some of his more daring exploits. Small format, 215 pp.
(Kiseido)
Killer of
Go
by Sakata Eio
The legendary Sakata, long at the forefront of the
professional go world, wrote this classic text on the theme
of killing stones. The book went through more than 100
printings in the 1960s. Now in English for the first time.
Full size format, 238 pp. (Yutopian)
Fighting
Ko
by Jin Jiang
Ko positions in opening, middle
game and endgame settings, as well as those that arise in
standard joseki and invasion sequences; strategy and
whole-board analysis as they apply to ko fights; special
properties of the 1-2 and 2-2 points in the corner. Small
format, 146 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Beyond Forcing
Moves
by Takagi Shoichi
This book could be called "All
About Sente." How and when to play forcing moves, and just
as important, how and when to refrain from playing them.
Full size format, 186 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
A Compendium
of Trick Plays
from the Nihon Kiin
A whimsical but detailed treatment of the kind of crude,
sleazy tricks we all dream of coming up with when we're in
a hopeless position! Includes an extended dialog between
"Joe Patzer" and the "Honinbo of the Alleyways," a cartoon,
25 real problems, and more. Full size format, 220 pp.
(Yutopian)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Winning a
Won Game
by Go Seigen
How to avoid giving your opponent the chance to catch up
when youíre ahead. Written by one of the great
players of all time. Full size format, 166 pp. (Yutopian)
Lee
Chang-hoís Novel Plays and Shapes
Mr. Lee is arguably the strongest player in the world, with
more international titles under his belt that anyone else.
In this book he looks at fifteen games containing opening
moves that seem to go against standard go wisdom, but
actually put the player in a winning position. Full size
format, 230 pp. (Yutopian)
Rescue and
Capture
by Yi-lun Yang
This little series of 80 middle game problems fits easily
in your back pocket. It shows how to make sure your groups
escape ñ and your opponentís groups
donít! By the California-based master teacher from
Shanghai. Mini format, 163 pp. (Yutopian)
How to Destroy and
Preserve
by Yi-lun Yang
Highlights of Mr. Yangís workshop in Gaithersburg,
Maryland in 2000. Mini format. 112 pp. (Wings Across Calm Water Go Club)
Whole Board
Living Tesuji
by Sangit Chatterjee and Huiren Yang
Tesuji problems drawn from actual games. Full size format,
147 pp. (Yutopian)
Tricks in
Joseki
by Yi-lun Yang
Another mini-book with 80 problems illustrating how to play
flexibly in the opening and avoid tricks and traps. 161 pp.
(Yutopian)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Cross-Cut Workshop
by Richard Hunter
Weak players fear the cross-cut because it leads to
complications. Understand how it works and you will
strengthen your game. Full size format, 76 pp. (Slate and
Shell)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Monkey Jump Workshop
by Richard Hunter
Hunter explores this popular maneuver in depth. Full size
format, 154 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Counting Liberties and Winning Capturing Races
by Richard Hunter
Tricks and shortcuts to help you read out complicated
fights. Full size format, 240 pp.(Slate and
Shell)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
The Middle Game of
Go
by Sakata Eio
With more than 70 titles under his belt, Sakata is the
winningest pro in Japanese history. Here he gives very
detailed analysis of the chubansen (middle game) of
four of his favorite battles. Full size format, 143 pp.
(Kiseido)
The Art of Go
Series
Problem-based instruction on these two
crucial techniques. Full size format. (Yutopian)
200 Endgame Problems
from the Nihon Kiin Pocket Series
Most professional games are won in the yose, the
final phase. Strengthen you ability to turn close games
into victories. Full size format, 252 pp. (Slate and
Shell)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Liping Huang's Problem Book Volume I
The Chicago-based Chinese-American pro offers an intriguing
series of problems. Full size format, 40 pp. (Slate and
Shell)
[return to top]
Masterpieces of
Handicap Go Volumes I & II
from the Nihon Kiin
Translated by Robert McGuigan
from a variety of Japanese sources, many of these games
appeared originally in The American Go Journal. They
show actual handicap play between established masters and
rising stars of the future. Full size format. (Slate and
Shell)
ABCs of Attack and Defense
by Michael Redmond 9-Dan
Pointers on how to make the most of handicap stones, by the
strongest Western player in the history of the game. Full
size format, 221 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Click here to read an E-Journal
review.
Click here to read another
E-Journal review.
Mastering the Basics of Go
by Eugene Lim and Herve Dicky
Insights from"the father of French Go" focusing on how to
win a nine stone game. Now in English for the first time
since it appeared in France in 1974. Full size format, 152
pp. (Slate and Shell)
How to Play Against the
Stronger Player
by Sakai Michiharu 8p
A popular classic since it
was published in Japan in 1969, this translation is
available only in electronic format. Download it, print it
out, and itís yours at no charge! Full size format.
(Wings Across Calm Water Go Club)
- Volume I: Local Positions (119
pp.)
- Volume II: Example Games (54
pp.)
Pro-Pro
Handicap Go
from the Nihon Kiin
A collection of three-, four- and five-stone handicap games
between established Japanese pros, so the analysis is
interesting, but outcome is never really in doubt. Full
size format, 224 (Yutopian)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Secret Chronicles
of Handicap Go
by Kageyama Toshiro
Based on the author's popular Japanese television programs
for amateur players, analyzing pro-pro handicap play. One
of the few go books with a sense of humor. Small format,
204 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
How to Play Handicap Go
by Yuan Zhou 7D
The author of Understanding How to Play Go offers
his thoughts on handicap play. Full size format, 183 pp.
(Slate and Shell)
Click here to read an
E-Journal review.
Click here to read another
E-Journal review.
Click here to read another
E-Journal review.
Click here to read another
E-Journal review.
Cosmic Go: A Guide
to 4 Stone Handicap Games
by Sangit Chatterjee and Hui-ren Yang Pro 1-Dan
Written by a strong amateur in consultation with a pro,
this book examines specific aspects of four stone handicap
strategy, taking its inspiration from the "cosmic" style of
top Japanese professional Takemiya. Full size format, 174
pp.(Kiseido)
Galactic Go: A Guide to 3 Stone
Handicap Go
by Sangit Chatterjee and Hui-ren Yang Pro
1-Dan
Starting where Cosmic Go left off,
Chaterjee and Yang explicate the more advanced mysteries of
three stone handicap go. Full size format. (Yutopian)
Imagination of a Go
Master
by Takemiya Masaki 9-Dan
A collection of games that illustrate Takemiya's
logic-shattering cosmic style. Sprial bound to lay flat
for easy reference. Full size format, 222 pp. (Nemesis
Enterprises)
The
Nihon Kiin Handbook series Volume 4 -- Handicap
Go
A revised and expanded translation of a popular
Japanese book, covering handicaps from three to nine
stones with separate chapters for each.Full size
format, 236 pp. (Yutopian)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
Click here to read another
E-Journal review.
[return to top]
A
Journey in Search of the Origins of Go
by Shirakawa Masayoshi
An award-winning Japanese writer and anthropologist
travels to China to investigate 3000 years of go
history. Full size format, 244 pp. (Yutopian)
Contemporary Go Terms
by Chi-hyung Nam
An extensive glossary in Korean, Chinese, Japanese and
English. Full size format, 335 pp.
(Yutopian)
(Slate and Shell)
Click here to read the E-Journal review.
Reflections on the Game of Go
by William Cobb
A collection of columns written for the The
American Go Journal and The American Go
E-Journal in which a former professor of philsophy
at William and Mary expounds on the true meaning of go.
Full size format, 116 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Eurogo
by Franco Pratesi
A detailed history of go in Europe. Full size format.
(Slate and Shell)
Bibliogo (259 pp.)
by Theo van Ees and Franco Pratesi
An annotated bibilograhpy of every go books ever
published in a non-Asian language. Full size format.
(Het Paard)
The Way of Go
by Troy Anderson
A former insei (pro-in-training) applies the
lessons of go to other aspects of life. Full size
format, 248 pp. (Simon and Shuster)
The Go
Player's Almanac 2001
by Richard Bozulich
The authoritative, newly
updated reference on every aspect of go -- history,
players, rules, you name it. 377 pp. (Kiseido)
Click here to read an
E-Journal review.
Click here to read another
E-Journal review.
Click here to read another
E-Journal review.
Go As Communication: The Educational and Therapeutic
Value of the Game of Go
Japanese 9-Dan Yasutoshi Yasuda expresses the joy of
teaching "The Capture Game", a beginner's variant of
go, to disabled children and adults. Full size format,
70 pp. (Slate and Shell)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review.
AGA
Archives
The American Go Association maintains one of the most
extensive collections of Western go materials in the
world.
The
Bob High Memorial Library: Dozens of
fascinating articles cover every imaginable historical,
cultural and scientific aspect of go.
The AGA Songbook
from the American Go Association
Dozens of song parodies, ranging from clever to
painful. Oversize format, 109 pp.
Click here to download the 2002 supplement.
The World of
Chinese Go
by Juan Guo
Ms. Guo grew up in China and earned her pro credentials
there before settling in Europe, where she now teaches
go. She tells about life in a Chinese go school the
fierce competition of become pro, and the lives of top
Chinese players, while offering lots of analysis and
instruction along the way. Full size format, 162 pp.
(Yutopian)
The Treasure Chest
Enigma, 2nd Ed
by Noriyuki Nakayama
A delightful collection of essays about the human side
of go -- the milieu of professional life in Japan, the
history of the game, and some rather special go
problems by one of the most popular teachers of the
game. Several of the problems in the first edition
have been replaced with new ones in the second edition.
Full size format, 186 pp.
(
Slate and Shell)
Click here to read the
E-Journal review (refers to the 1st Ed.).
Chilling Gets the Last Point: A
Mathematical Analysis of the Endgame in Go
by Berlekamp and Wolfe
Wolfe conducted a
mathematical study of the endgame in go as his doctoral
thesis, under the supervision of well-known game
theorist Dr. Elwyn Berlekamp, the inventor on
"Environmental Go." Full size format, 232 pp.(A. K.
Peters Ltd.)
The Protracted Game: A
Wei-chi Analysis of Chinese Military
Strategy
by Scott Boorman
Boorman's doctoral thesis about go as an influence on
military thinking seems a bit overstated. Full size
format, 234 pp.
Striving for Excellence
by Chen Zude
The autobiography of a great
Chinese champion who came of age in the 1960's.
Written in the 1980's when Zude was recovering from
cancer. 208 pp.(Dongyu Publishing)
Go: An Asian Paradigm for
Business Strategy
by Yasuyuki
Miura
Written by a successful Japanese
businessman who is also a dan-level go player, this
volume helps a Westerner to understand how Japanese
businessmen think, using go as a context. Full size
format, 269 pp. (Kiseido)
The World of Ki
by John D. Goodell
A philosophical treatise
on the nature of go, seen by the author as "a symbolic
structure capable of reflecting and suggesting various
processes of thought" and more generally on the use of
games in many different applications. Published by
Riverside Research Press (St. Paul) in 1957. Full size
format, 215 pp. (Out of print)
Games of No
Chance
edited by Richard J.
Nowakowski
Contains many fascinating articles on games and game
theory; includes four papers on go. A description from MSRI provides more
details. ( | 
