Enriching My Love of the Game

It has been a while since I posted. My last blog post was about the 2024 U.S. Go Congress in Portland.

I'm back posting again to urge those who have never attended a Go Congress to consider coming to Austin this year. I don't need to convince those who have already been to a Congress how much fun it is.

For the rest of you... It is the best eight days of go you can expect to have, and you can repeat it year after year.

I think it is worth mentioning to beginners and DDK players in general that you shouldn't be waiting to get strong to attend a Congress. My first Go Congress was in 1997. I had never played in a tournament, though I had played in a go club. That year the Congress was in Lancaster, which was about a two hour drive from my home. I got up the nerve to attend, and I am so glad that I did.

I came away from the 13th U.S. Go Congress with a 19k AGA rating, and a promise to attend as many future Go Congresses as possible. I've done a pretty good job of keeping that promise to myself. Up to now I have missed only five Congresses. Unfortunately, this year will mark my sixth Congress missed, and not by choice. My husband's health issues are requiring more attention from me this summer than usual, so I simply can not leave him alone. However, I expect that I will be able to join all of you in Boston next year, and join you at as many future Congresses as possible.

I especially urge people within easy driving distance of Austin to take advantage of the opportunity to attend a Congress taking place in your own backyard. That's how I got started.

I leave you with a list of the Congresses I have been lucky enough to attend. The ones crossed out are the ones I have missed. Everyone, Please enjoy Austin, and I hope to see you in Boston.