Cho U Stole Tengen From Kono Rin

The third game of 34th Tengen-sen had been played.

Cho U won the third game and also won the title.

The game was played in December 4th.

At the beginning of the game, Kono Rin able to secured territories in the right side, but Cho U gained moyo in the bottom board and Kono's group in the upper board wasn't settled yet (though I don't think it would be killed).

Kono Rin (B) vs. Cho U (W), up to move 59

After 202 moves, Kono resigned.

Takao Shinji Closed the Second Stage

After won for five concecutive times in the 10th Nongshim Cup, Kang Dongyun from Korea was stopped by Takao Shinji, Judan from Japan.


Takao Shinji, Judan

Playing white for the first time, Kang Dongyun resigned after 165 moves.

the sequence from 23-28 is interesting. White didn't really try to attack black's two stones and black got a good shape and sente.

Takao Shinji (B) vs. kang Dongyun (W), up to move 63

Many people didn't expect Takao Shinji to won this match actually, but perhaps Kang Dongyun was exhausted to play so many games concecutively.

This win is very important for Japan. At least they got one win in this 10th tournament. They haven't won even a single match before.

But it seems pretty hard for Japan to win this year, with only Takao Shinji left, while China still has Chang Hao and Gu Li, while Korea still has Lee Sedol and Lee Changho, the iron gate of this tournament.

Kang Dongyun's Fifth Concecutive Victories

After succeed in the four previous matches, Kang Dongyun from Korea lengthened his winning streak with beating Qiu jun 8d from China who won Liquang Cup and Chang-qi this year.

Taking black for the fifth time, Kang won the game by resignation.

I think the opening was better for Kang, since he got turtle shell in the middle and got 2 corners.

Kang Dongyun (B) vs. Qiu Jun (W), up to move 55

Qiu Jun resigned after 223 moves

Tuo Jiaxi Stopped! Kang Dongyun Rocks the Second Stage

The second stage of Nongshim Cup had started. In the first stage, teenager Tuo Jiaxi from China met Kang Dongyun 9p from Korea. Tuo Started very well for China in the first stage with beating 4 players, but unfortunately he can't do the same in the second round.

Kang Dongyun, 9p

In the first round, Kang Dongyun from Korea who won the gold medal in the 1st WMSG defeated Tuo Jiaxi from China by 1.5 points. I think Kang Dongyun won the game during the endstage. His peep at move 163 eliminated white's potential in the upper side. After 303 moves, black won by 1.5 points

Tuo Jiaxi (W) vs. Kang Dongyun (B), up to move 61

In the second round, Kang Dongyun met "King of cool" Yamada Kimio from Japan. Taking black, Kang played the same opening as his previous game. I think Yamada Kimio's opening is somewhat slow. He tried to gain moyo in the left side, but failed, and then he tried to control the center, but failed again. After 157 moves, Yamada Kimio resigned. The territories gap was too big.

Yamada Kimio (W) vs. Kang Dongyun (B), up to move 58

In the third round, Kang Dongyun played Piao Wenyao from China. A ko fight was started in the right side at move 74, as Kang tried to gain some advantages in the right side.After 283 moves, black won by 2.5 points. White was only able to control the upper board, but it's not enough to chased black's territory.

Piao Wenyao (W) vs. Kang Dongyun (B) up to move 63

In the fourth round, Kang Dongyun met the current Honinbo title holder, Hane Naoki. The game was interesting. Playing as white, Hane Naoki played an opening to created moyo in the bottom board. When Kang invaded with move 25, Hane chased the group, but black made it to live with move 81. Hane Naoki resigned at move 199, I think black led around 12 points on the board.

Hane Naoki (W) vs. Kang Dongyun (B), up to move 63

With this, Japan down to their last player, Takao Shinji. I think the task is too hard for Takao sensei to win this cup for Japan. Korea and China each has 3 players. The second stage is not end yet. Kang Dongyun met Qiu Jun from China next.

Cho U Leads The Tengen-sen

After defeated Kono Rin in the first 34th Tengen title match, Cho U won the second match again.

Taking black, Cho U beat Kono Rin by resignation in 151 moves.

Cho U played a solid game. He created a big moyo in the right side after Kono decided to jump into the corner.

Cho U (W) vs. Kono Rin (B), up to move 58

Kono resigned after his early invading group was killed by Cho U.

I think Kono's move at move 38 is rather funny. It created double atari in his shape. Perhaps Kono thought
that it's ok, but later it really backfired him.

Cho U recently has a pretty impressive record. He defended his Meijin title against Iyama Yuta, he took the lead
in Oza-sen against Yamashita Keigo, the title holder, and now he took the lead from Kono Rin in the Tengen-sen

I wonder if Kono can defend his title this year with this bad start. The third game will be played in December 4.

China Closed First Round

The 4th game of the 7th Jeongganjang Cup has been played. Song Ronghui from China beat Mannami Kana from Japan by resignation.

Song Ronghui (left), Mannami Kana (right)

The opening was unusual. Mannami Kana played for influence in this game, but easily destroyed by Song Ronghui.

Mannami Kana (B) vs. Song Ronghui (W), W+R

With the end of the match, it means that the first stage has over.

China did very good in both Jeongganjang and Nongshim Cup this year. Both of their first player won the first stage.

The next stage will be played in January 11.

Three Concecutive Wins!

After beating the former Female Meijin title holder in the second game, the sixteen years old Song Ronghui from Chinascored another win for China's team in 7th Jeongganjang Cup by beating Lee Hajin, 3p from Korea.

Song Ronghui (left) vs. Lee Hajin (right)

Taking black in this game, Song Ronghui won the game by 4.5 points.

Looking at black 13, I think this move is a new trend (well, not really new I think). Instead of attacking with R8,the old fashion was attacking with R12. Based on "Get Strong At Attacking", R8 is wrong, because it makes black's positionon the top right corner becomes thin.

Lee Hajin (W) vs. Song Ronghui (B), up to move 57

White's yose was pretty good, but it was not enough to chased black's lead.

Song Ronghui's Second Win

After won her first game against Lee Daehyeoi, Song Ronghui from China won her second game against Kato Keiko from Japan.

Kato Keiko played black and Song Ronghui played white in this game

The game was a big moyo game. Kato's move at move 95 was pretty strange. I think B8 was the vital point. Her invading group was involved in a ko fight, which I think can be avoided by playing B8.

Kato Keiko (B) vs. Song Ronghui (W), up to move 53

Kato Keiko resigned at move 172 where she failed to killed one of Song Ronghui's group.

Mengapa saya ...?

1. Mengapa saya berkata "Saya tidak bisa" jika Alkitab mengatakan bahwa saya bisa melakukan segala sesuatu di dalam Dia yang memberi kekuatan kepada saya (Fil 4:13)?

2. Mengapa saya merasa kurang jika saya tahu bahwa Allah akan memenuhi segala keperluan saya menurut kekayaan dan kemuliaanNya dalam Kristus Yesus (Fil 4:19)?

3. Mengapa saya harus merasa takut jika Alkitab berkata bahwa Tuhan tidak memberi saya roh ketakutan, melainkan roh yang membangkitkan kekuatan, kasih, ketertiban (2 Tim 1:7)?

4. Mengapa saya harus merasa kurang iman jika saya tahu bahwa Allah telah mengaruniakan kepada saya ukuran iman tertentu (Rom12:3)?

5. Mengapa saya menjadi lemah jika Alkitab berkata bahwa Allah adalah terang dan keselamatan saya dan bahwa saya akan tetap kuat dan akan bertindak (Maz 27:1, Dan 11:32)?

6. Mengapa saya harus membiarkan iblis menang atas hidup saya jika Roh yang ada di dalam saya lebih besar dari pada roh yang ada di dalam dunia (1 Yoh 4:4)?

7. Mengapa saya harus pasrah kalah jika Alkitab berkata bahwa Allah dalam Kristus selalu membawa kita di jalan kemenanganNya (2 Kor 2:14)?

8. Mengapa saya harus kekurangan hikmat jika Kristus sendiri telah menjadi hikmat bagi saya dan Allah akan memberi hikmat jika saya minta padaNya (1 Kor 1:30; Yak 1:5)?

9. Mengapa saya harus depresi jika saya dapat mengingat bahwa saya dapat berharap pada Allah yang kasih setiaNya tidak habis-habisNya setiap pagi (Rat 3:21-23)?

10. Mengapa saya harus kuatir, resah, dan rewel jika saya dapat menyerahkan segala kekuatiran saya pada Tuhan yang memelihara saya (1 Pet 5:7)?

11. Mengapa saya harus selalu hidup dalam beban jika saya tahu bahwa di mana ada Roh Allah, ada kemerdekaan, dan Kristus telah memerdekakan kita (2 Kor 3:17; Gal 5:1) ?

12. Mengapa saya harus merasa terhukum jika Alkitab berkata bahwa saya tidak ada lagi di bawah penghukuman sebab saya di dalam Kristus (Rom 8:1) ?

13. Mengapa saya harus merasa sendirian jika Yesus berkata Ia akan selalu menyertai saya, tidak akan membiarkan dan tak akan meninggalkan saya (Mat 28:20; Ibr 13:5)?

14. Mengapa saya harus merasa terkutuk atau merasa saya menjadi korban nasib sial jika Alkitab berkata bahwa Kristus telah menebus kita dari kutuk hukum taurat sehingga oleh iman kita menerima Roh yang telah dijanjikan itu (Gal 3:13-14) ?

15. Mengapa saya harus merasa tidak puas dalam hidup ini jika saya,seperti Paulus, bisa belajar untuk menjadi puas dalam segala keadaan (Fil 4:11) ?

16. Mengapa saya harus merasa tidak layak jika Kristus telah dibuat menjadi dosa karena kita, supaya di dalam Dia kita dibenarkan oleh Allah (2 Kor 5:21) ?

17. Mengapa saya merasa takut disiksa orang jika saya tahu bahwa jika Allah di pihak saya tidak ada yang akan melawan saya (Rom8:31) ?

18. Mengapa saya harus bingung jika Allah adalah Raja Damai dan Ia memberi saya pengetahuan melalui RohNya yang diam di dalam kita (1 Kor 14:33;2:12)

19. Mengapa saya harus terus-menerus gagal dan jatuh jika Alkitab berkata bahwa sebagai anak Allah saya lebih daripada orang-orang yang menang dalam segala hal, oleh Dia yang telah mengasihi saya (Rom8:37)?

20. Mengapa saya harus membiarkan tekanan hidup mengganggu saya jika saya dapat punya keberanian karena tahu Tuhan Yesus telah menang atas dunia dan penderitaan (Yoh 16:33)?
" Diamlah dan ketahuilah,bahwa Akulah Allah ! " (Mazmur 46:11a)

7th Jeongganjang Cup Starts!

The 7th Jeongganjang cup has been started. Jeongganjang is atournament sponsored by Jeongganjang Co. It's a knockout women team competition (similiar to Nongshim cup).

There are 3 countries, China, Korea, and Japan.

Here's the players' list:

China: Zheng Yan(2d), Tang Yi(2d), Li He(1d), Wang Xiangyun(1d), Song Ronghui(1d)

Korea:Park Jieun(9d), Kim Hyeoimin(5d), Lee Minjin(5d), Lee Daehyeoi(3d), Lee Hajin(3d)

Japan: Aoki Kikuyo(8d), Kato Keiko(6d), Umezawa Yukari(5d), Mannami Kana(4d), Suzuki Ayumi(4d)

The first match has been played. It was between Lee Daehyeoi(W) vs. Song Ronghui (B), won by Song Ronghui by 5.5 points.

Lee daehyeoi (Left) vs. Song Ronghui (right)

The game was interesting. The joseki sequence in the left upper corner is interesting. I rarely see it. Black played a good game. I think black won the game when she eliminated white potential moyo in the center.

Song Ronghui (B) vs. Lee Daehyeoi (W), up to move 67, B+5.5

Song Ronghui is a good young female player. She won the gold medal for China in the 1st World Mind Sports Games in Individual Women category. She was also China's team member in the 6th Jeongganjang Cup, but she lost to Aoki Kikuyo from Japan.

I wonder if she can gain another win against Japan's first player, following his country pal, Tuo Jiaxi's 4 straight wins in the Nongshim Cup.

The 34th Tengen-sen Start!

The 34th Tengen title matches had been started. Kono Rin, Tengen, challenged by Cho U,Meijin.
The first match was played at November 10.

Played as black, Kono Rin played a strange fuseki. The fuseki looks like a low chinese fuseki, but in fact the stone was one point lower.

I think the trade in the opening (around move 26- 41) was good for white. Another good strategy by Cho U was move 52. He thickened his group before attacked Kono's invasion stone. It's a good example of "getting thick before attacking".

I think Kono's invasion at move 109 was the losing strategy. I don't think he was thick enough to invade. The result from that trade was good for white.

Kono Rin (B) vs. Cho U (W), up to move 155, the combination White A, Black B, White C, Black D create a ko fight for black to kill white

Kono resigned at move 170, where white eliminated his potential moyo in the middle. Overall, I think Kono was outplayed by Cho in this round.

Cho U seems pretty busy. He was just finished a title match against Iyama Yuta in the Meijin title matches, and then, not even a week after, he played Kono Rin in Tengen, while at the same time, he is also playing Yamashita Keigo for Oza title (Cho won the first match. The second match will be played at November 13). He is really busy!

Kono's overall result against Cho is not good. He only won twice out of 6 times they met. He beat Cho twice in Ryusei final this year, and in this year Daiwa Shoken Cup's semi-final.

But I think Kono still has the chance despite his bad result against Cho. I think he recently played really good. He also eliminated his nickname "one title specialist" when he won this year's Ryusei (for the last 3 years, Tengen was the only title Kono has, but he defended it nicely).

I wonder if Kono able to defend his title for 4 straight years.

Xie Yimin Defend Her Title

Xie Yimin, the current Female Honinbo title holder, won the fourth game of 27th Female Honinbo, and keep her title for another year.

She won the fourth game against Suzuki Ayumi, the challenger, by 0.5 point.

Up to move 6, the opening was the same with this year Ryusei's final (Cho U (B) vs. Kono Rin (W), W+R). Move 7 in that game was played at 'A' by Cho U, but Suzuki Ayumi played an enclosure in the top right.

Move 10 is rarely seen. I don't know the joseki after Suzuki Ayumi's niken biraki answer. If you know, please tell me.

Xie Yimin (W) vs. Suzuki Ayumi (B), W+0.5

I think the game was very well played. After 309 moves, Xie Yimin won the game along with the title.

I think Xie Yimin is the strongest female player right now in Japan, considering that she is only 18 years old, it's incredible to see number of titles she has won.
I wonder why she didn't play for Japan in the Jeongganjang cup for Japan. Is it due to the fact that she is not Japanese?

Congratulation for Xie Yimin. I hope she can improve more and become the first woman to win an open tournament in Japan (so far I know, no woman ever won an open tournament yet. The closest were Aoki Kikuyo became runner-up in Shinjin-O cup and Xie Yimin as 3rd Nakano Cup runner-up, losing to Iyama Yuta).

Cho U Defend His Meijin Title

The seventh game of 33rd Meijin Title Match had been played.

Cho U, the title holder, won the last game and defend his title for one more year.

Iyama played black this time. I found it a little strange, since he also played black in the sixth game. I think in a title matches, nigiri only played in the first match and the two players changing color in every next matches. Or is there any special circumstance?

Anyway, Iyama played a moyo oriented move with move 5, which answered by Cho with low chinese fuseki.

Cho U(W) vs. Iyama Yuta (B), up to move 52

The game was pretty good with a big trade in the early game. Iyama resigned at move 236. I think white is ahead about 3 points on the board without komi, so it's understandable why Iyama resigned.

Eventhough he lost, I think Iyama has played very good during this seven series match.I think if Iyama can improve more and doesn't burn out, he can be Japan new star in international arena.

Congratulation for Cho U. I hope he can improve more and win an international tournament for Japan.

Cho U seems pretty happy. Of course. He won the title against his "this year's rival"

Iyama Yuta Drive All The Way To The Seventh Game

The sixth game of Meijin Title Match has been played.

After losing three straight games, Iyama Yuta won the sixth game by resignation.

The game was pretty fast.It was ended only in 99 moves where Iyama spliited Cho's group.

The last game will be broadcasted live at September, 5-6 in IGS

Xie Yimin Took the Lead

The third title match of 27th Female Honinbo has been played.Xie Yimin, the title holder won against Suzuki Ayumi, the challenger by 1.5 points.

The game was peaceful. No big fight or semeai on the board. I think Xie Yimin won the game in the yose. He played a probe at move 159, which then allowed her to split Suzuki Ayumi's group (eventhough she lost sente as the result).

Xie Yimin (B) vs. Suzuki Ayumi (W), B+1.5, up to move 53

It seems that Xie Yimin is back to her shape. After lost to Suzuki Ayumi in the first title match, she won the last 2 matches. Recently she won a gold medal with her partner, Zhou Junxun, in the 1st World Mind Sports Games (WMSG) for C.Taipei in the Mixed Pair division.

Suzuki Ayumi, along with Aoki Kikuyo and Koyama Terumi also won a medal for Japan in that tournament. They won bronze medal in Teams Women division.
The fourth game will be played in November, 5.

New Website!

Alexander Dinerchtein, 3p, created a new website. It's: http://www.sanrensei.info/

it's a website to test your sanrensei power, based on Takemiya Masaki's style (not really, actually it seems to be based on Sonoda Yuichi and Cho Daehyun's style too, but only Takemiya's photo was in the website).

I really love the layout. It was pretty good!

Try it if you have time.

Here's my result:
San-ren-sei is a perfect choice for you!We cannot promise that you will win all of your games when you use it, but we are sure that every game you play where san-ren-sei appears will be very exciting and enjoyable for you!

The 2009 Nongshim Cup Starts!

The 2009 Nongshim Cup has been started. Three teams from three country,China, Japan, and South Korea, will compete each other in a knockout team tournament.

So far, 4 games has been played. All won by Chinese 3dan, Tuo Jiaxi.

Tuo beat Heo Yeongho,6dan in the first round by resignation.
Heo Yeongho (white) vs. Tuo Jiaxi (black)

In the second round, he beat Yamashita Keigo by 4.5 points.
Tuo Jiaxi (B) vs. Yamashita Keigo (W), B+4.5

Yun Junsang from Korea lost to him in the third round by 4.5 points.


He beat Japanese Tengen title holder, Kono Rin in the fourth round by 4.5 points.


China really has a good start, but it doesn't mean that they will surely win this year. The cup is still running.

Fifth Meijin Title Match

The fifth game of the Meijin title match had been played.

Played as black, Cho U got his third concecutive wins in this series of title match.
by half a point.

Unlike the other four games, Cho chose a moyo strategy. The strategy succeed and Cho
won the fifth game.

Now Iyama must won the sixth game, or he will have no chance to steal the title
until next year.

Let's Talk About: Kato Masao

Kato Masao (March 15, 1947 - December 30,2004) or Kato Kensei, was a famous Japanese 9-dan professional Go player best known for his nickname "The Killer" due to his aggresive attacking playing style.

Kato sensei is the one and only Honorary Oza (until now), due to his victorius in Oza tournament, 8 concecutive times from 1982-1989.

His first major title were 1st Gosei and 14th Judan in 1976. he finally won a title after became unsuccessfull challenger for 8 titles (Honinbo,Pro Best Ten twice, All Japan #1, Prime Minister's Cup,NHK Cup, Shinei,and Nihon Ki-in Championship)

Kato sensei was one of Kitani Minoru's diciples, along with Cho Chikun, Takemiya Masaki, Ishida Yoshio, and Kobayashi Koichi.

He had 4 students, they are Omori Yasushi, Suzuki Isao, Nishida Terumi, and the famous Umezawa Yukari.

There was one of his game that was resulted as void. It was at the 14th Judan title match, when he played against Cho Chikun. The result was void, due to the triple ko occured. The match was replayed and Kato won the game along with the title

Kato sensei was elected to be the Chief Director of the Japanese Nihon Ki-in and President of the International Go Federation (IGF). Kato did several changes under his leadership.He eliminated Oteai (used to be Japanese promotion system) and made new ways of dan promotion (which is still used now). He also changed the komi point, from 5.5 moku to 6.5 moku. He also cut the game times limits. At the same time, Kato sensei still active in the top tournament.

In 2002, Kato sensei established a new record in japanese Go world, as the oldest player ever to win Honinbo title, at age 55. He lost the title to Cho U in 2003.

His record of titles:

* 2003 10th Agon

Kato Masao (W) vs. Cho U 10th Japanese Agon Cup, Final, W+R up to 52 moves

* 2002 57th Honinbo

Kato Masao (W) vs. O Meien 57th Japanese Honinbo, title match #6 W+1.5, up to move 52

Yu Bin (W) vs. Kato masao 3rd Nongshim Cup, game 10, W+5.5

* 2001 10th Ryusei

Kato Masao (W) vs. Cho Hunhyun 2nd Nongshim Cup, game 13, W+3.5 up to move 52

* 1999 32nd Hayago Championship

* 1998 4th JT Cup

* 1997 35th Judan, NEC Cup

* 1996 3rd Agon, 18th Kakusei

* 1995 2nd Agon, 17th Kakusei

* 1994 27th Hayago Championship

* 1993 41st Oza

* 1992 NEC Cup

* 1991 NEC Cup

* 1989 37th Oza

* 1988 36th Oza, NHK Cup, 21st Hayago Championship

* 1987 12th Meijin, 25th Judan, 12th Gosei, 35th Oza

* 1986 11th Meijin, 34th Oza, 8th Kakusei

* 1985 33rd Oza

* 1984 32nd Oza

* 1983 21st Judan, 31st Oza

* 1982 30th Oza

* 1981 7th Tengen

* 1980 28th Oza, 6th Tengen, 2nd Kakusei

* 1979 34th Honinbo, 17th Judan, 27th Oza, 5th Tengen

* 1978 33th Honinbo, 16th Judan, 4th Tengen

* 1977 2nd Gosei, 15th Judan, 32th Honinbo

* 1976 1st Gosei, 14th Judan

Kato Masao vs Cho Chikun in the 14 th Judan, ther result of this game was void, due to triple ko occur. They replayed the game and Kato sensei won the game, along with the title

Two books had been written by Kato Masao and available in English. Chinese Opening: The Sure-Win Strategy and Kato's Attack and Kill.

Kato sensei's favorite opening was the Chinese fuseki. He played the fuseki a lot.His last game against Yuki Satoshi (who was that year's Kisei challanger) in the 31st Japanese Tengen tournament was a very good example of how to use Chinese fuseki to attack and kill. His next opponent in Tengen tournament was Imamura Toshiya 9-dan. Unfortunately, the game would never been played.

Kato died on december 30, 2004. The cause was cerebral infection. Kato first signs of becoming ill showed on december 7. There were an operation performed on December 10 and was said to be successfull, but in December 28, his condition dropped and he died two days later. At that time, he was member of Japan team at the Nong Shim Cup and hadn't played yet.

Kato was one of 1,200 wins club's member, with a 1,253 win and 664 loss. Only few players can achieve 1200 win.. There are many dedication to him, including a large book published by Nihon Ki-in containing over 200 games of him. Another one is internet Go tournament dedicated to him.

Despite his success, he was modest, his typical manner was low-key and friendly, but also known for his firm principles, which was perhaps the reason why he was entrusted as the Chairman of Nihon Ki-in and the President of IGF.Kobayashi Koichi commented that Kato Masao showed a great fighting spirit inside and outside the Goban (Go board).

I think, many things can be learned from Kato sensei. His fighting spirit, both at his Go life and his personal character, a good character, and his responsibility as a Chairman (he really did what he must did!).

Thank you Kato Masao. You've left us not only your priceless kifu, but also something we must learn about. Two thumbs up for you.

Cho U Tie Himself to Iyama Yuta

Cho U, Meijin won the fourth title match of 33rd Meijin. It made him tie with 2-2 score with Iyama Yuta, the challenger.

The game was played in October 8-9, 2008 at Atami, shizuoka

Playing white, Cho U forced Iyama to resigned in 167 moves.

The opening was unusual. Usually white play at hoshi instead of sansan (move 4) at this kind of opening.

Cho U(W) vs. Iyama Yuta (B), up to move 52

I wonder if move 159 is actually needed. Because that move allowed white to play move 162 which was the winning tesuji.

The next game will be very interesting. Whoever win it will have 3 win and will make game 6 become very decisive.

Xie Yimin - Suzuki Ayumi, 1-1

Xie Yimin, Female Honinbo, able to draw the position in the 27th Female Honinbo title match.

The game was played in October 8, 2008. At Chiyoda, Tokyo

Playing as white, Xie Yimin was able to forced Suzuki Ayumi, the challenger to resign in 128 moves.

I admit that Xie Yimin played a very impressive game this time. The gap was very big.

I found that her move 18, was pretty good. It forced Suzuki Ayumi to play R14 which is a mistake in direction, since it made Xie naturally played R7. Because the extension is far from black's enclosure, it made black thin while it didn't put any pressure to white's stones

Xie Yimin (W) vs. Suzuki Ayumi (B), up to move 52

Tsumego 2

All right. Another tsumego time.

Black just played at x. Where should white play, so he can kill black's stones in the corner?

33rd Kisei Challenger

At October 2, Cho U played Yoda Norimoto to decide who'll play against Iyama Yuta, League A winner, to decide who will get the opportunity to steal Kisei title from Yamashita Keigo.

And the winner is.... Yoda Norimoto. Yoda won from Cho with 1.5 points margin.

Many actually predict (maybe hoping) Cho U to won, so he'll play Iyama who has won league A (with perfect 5-0 score) and add their game's list this year.

But the fact is different. Yoda Norimoto will play Iyama Yuta. I haven't got the time when they will play the match. But it will be interesting to see who will win it.

27th Female Honinbo, Title Match #1

This year title match for the Female Honinbo title had been played.

Xie Yimin, Female Honinbo, is challanged by Suzuki Ayumi 4 dan.

The first match was played at October first, in Hanamaki, Iwate.

Suzuki Ayumi won the first match by resignation.

The game was peaceful. There were no big fight in this game. I don't understand Suzuki Ayumi's choice of playing B 15 when Xie played C 17. It seems that she wanted to keep the group separated, but it seems (for me) that taking the corner is bigger. Anyone kind enough to tell me the reason?

Until October 3, Suzuki Ayumi was ranked 11 in Japanese most won record, with 24 win and 9 loss with impressive 73% winning rate, while Xie Yimin was ranked 16 with 21 win and 13 loss with 62% winning rate.

Suzuki Ayumi

Xie Yimin doesn't do very well until now. Last year, she was ranked third with 40 win and16loss with 71% winning rate. AtOctober 3, she was ranked 15 with 22 win and 14 loss with 61% winning rate

Xie Yimin

But it is still October. We should see the end result in December.

Tsumego

I have one tsumego question. This one came from one of my game.

Black just played the squared stone. The question is, how can white saves his stones, so the triangled group is still dead?


It is pretty easy. I bet you can solve it in no time ;)

Tobi and Hiraki

There are many terms in go, and somewhat there are some terms, that seem similiar, but different. One of them is hiraki and tobi.

Maybe you have known the difference, but some people haven't. So, let see the difference.
Tobi is a japanese word, actually mean 'to jump'. In igo, tobi really means 'to jump', since it is used to jump outside (to the center).

The squared stone is example of tobi

Hiraki is similiar to tobi, but there is a difference. Hiraki is also "a jump", but not to outside. It is a jump in the same vertical line or we can call it moving at the side.

The squared stone is example of hiraki

Niken biraki is usually used to make live.

The squared stone is niken biraki example

Igo's term is, sometimes, complicated, but I found it that it's more interesting to use the terms while discussing ;)

Batoo

Batoo is a recently invented igo variation (maybe properly baduk variation, since it was invented in Korea).

The name batoo, came from the name baduk and chantoo, which means battle.

The game is different from baduk.

Here are some rules:
1. It is played on a 11X11 board
2. At the beginning of the game, both players put 3 stones anywhere.
3. There are +5 points intersection, they are A6,F1,F11,and L6 (circle marked). The player who plays a stone there, gets 5 points.
4. There are -5 points intersection, they are C3,C9,J3,and J9 (all sansan intersection, marked square). The player who plays there, gets 5 points reduction.
5. You have a "special weapon" called nuclear, er... I mean "hidden move". It means that you can play a move, but you don't put the stone on the board (or it is hidden). An interesting idea.

6. The turn is decided by bidding. So, if A bid 4 point, and then B bid 5 point, then B play as black and the game's komi is 5 points, but if B didn't bid higher, A play as black and the game's komi is 4 points.

It seems that lot of money has been invested to make this game popular. Seems that this game try to atract more people (especially children) to play baduk, since the number of interested people, become lower and lower.

Maybe something like Hikaru no Go is needed to attract more people. I am also one from many people who play igo, after reading that comic ;)

Third 33rd Meijin Title Match

The third Meijin title match had been played.

Unlike the first two match, this time Cho U took revenge to Iyama. Cho U won by resignation.
Both player is very well spirited in this game. Cho U played a new move again Iyama's Shusaku Kosumi (move 9), well, maybe this is not the first time this move is played, but at least it's not in Kogo's Joseki Dictionary.Instead of 9, the usual joseki is A, or B which is not joseki, since it has problems.

The continuation outcome is: Cho U territory, Iyama influence toward the center.
Iyama resigned at move 225.

Uchida Shuhei, the 2008 Shinjin O Winner

The final of the Shinjin O Cup has been played. This time, the final were between Uchida Shuhei, 2d and Ha Youngil, 4d.

The Shinjin O is a tournament sponsored by Akahata Shimbun.

The first match was played in September 11, 2008. Uchida Shuhei (W) won by 8.5 points.
The first match

The second match was played in September 22, 2008. Uchida Shuhei won again by resignation.

Let's Talk About: Lee Changho

Yi Ch'ang-ho or well known as Lee Changho, was born in July 29, 1975. He is the disciple of the 16 concecutive years Paewang title holder, Cho Hun-hyeon (or also known as Cho Hunhyun).

Lee turned pro at the age of 11 and at the age of 15, he started to won the title that his teacher won. At 1992, Lee won his first international title, the 3rd Tong Yang Cup.With his win against Hane Naoki (the current Honinbo title holder) at the Chunlan Cup, Lee Changho has won every single international tournament at least twice, except World Oza and Ing Cup (which he only won once). By 2007, he is a 12 concecutive years Wangwi title holder, An achievement that only beaten by Cho Hun-hyeon, his teacher and Ma Xiaochun (who won 13 Mingren titles).

Among the go fans, Lee is nicknamed "Stone Buddha". It comes from the fact that he always keep a straight face and never smile no frown during the match. The nickname also represent his playing style. Lee doesn't attack much or play "crazy go". Instead, his playing style is peaceful and defensive. He often win without deep conflict, letting his opponent to make mistakes and he doesn't show emotion change, win or lose.

It was said by his first teacher that he would always play brilliant moves. When he became Cho Hun-hyeon's diciple. At first, Cho doubt about Lee's go talent. But Cho found out that Lee is a great learner and a deep thinker.

During his studies under Cho, Lee stopped trying to played brilliant moves. Instead he became the master of "common" moves. Lee prefer to play safe move, which he can read further and deeper, instead of brilliant or stunning moves, which he also can't read further.

Right now, Lee is challanged by new generation. He is seriously being challanged by Lee Sedol. According to Kim Seungjoon, 7d, Yi loses his composure because he is no longer guaranteed by his old playing style. More and more young Korean players are as good as him in positional judgement, reading ability, and yose (endgame). Lee pursues a new playing style. A battle ready style. In the process, he makes much mistakes and psychological lapses.

Lee has a series of book, called Li Chang Ho Jingjiang Weiqi Sihuo (Lee Changho's Life and Death). They are 6 volumes life & death books.

In one of the interview with GOAMA newsletter (http://gogame.info/), Lee said that his future goals are showing good records at international tounament and find a more suitable sport than tennis for him.

Lee Changho's record:
2007:

Won 41st Wangwi

Won Sibdang Cup

Won 26th KBS Cup

Won Zhonghuan Cup (an international tournament)

2006:
Won 40th Wangwi

Won 3rd Etland Cup

Won 49th Kuksu

Won 1st Siptan Cup

Yoda Norimoto (W) vs. Lee Changho (B) in the 5th CSK Asian Cup, round 1, W+2.5

2005:
Won 39th Wangwi

Won 5th Chunlan Cup

Member of winning Team Korea in the 6th Nongshim Cup Qualified for Team Korea for the 7th Nongshim Cup

Won 2nd Etland Cup

2004:
Won 8th LG Cup

Member of winning Team Korea in the 5th Nongshim Cup

Won 38th Wangwi

Won 9th GS Caltex Cup

Won 23rd KBS Cup

2003:
Runner-up in 7th LG Cup

Won 4th Chunlan Cup

Won 1st Toyota Denso Cup

Member of winning Team Korea in the 4th Nongshim Cup

Won 37th Wangwi

Won 14th Kiseong

Won 35th Myeongin

2002:
Member of winning Team Korea in the 3rd Nongshim Cup

Won 36th Wangwi

Won 13th Kiseong

Won 46th Kuksu

Won 21st KBS Cup

Won 34th Myeongin

2001:
Won 4th Ing Cup

Won 5th LG Cup

Member of winning Team Korea in the 2nd Nongshim Cup

Won 35th Wangwi

Won 12th Kiseong

Won 45th Kuksu

Won 20th KBS Cup

Won 33rd Myeongin

Won 38th Paewang

2000:
Member of winning Team Korea in the 1st Nongshim Cup

Won 34th Wangwi

Won 11th Kiseong

Won 32nd Myeongin

Won 37th Paewang

1999:
Won 4th Samsung Cup

Won 3rd Samsung Cup

Won 3rd LG Cup

Runner-up in the 1st Chunlan Cup

Won 33rd Wangwi

Won 10th Kiseong

Won 4th Ch'eonweon

Won 31st Myeongin

1998:
Won 11th Fujitsu Cup

Won 9th Tong Yang Securities Cup

Won 32nd Wangwi

Won 9th Kiseong

Won 3rd Ch'eonweon

Won 17th KBS Cup

Won 30th Myeongin

1997:
Won 2nd Samsung Cup

Won 1st LG Cup

Won 31st Wangwi

Won 8th Kiseong

Won 41st Kuksu

Won 2nd Ch'eonweon

1996:
Won 9th Fujitsu Cup

Won 7th Tong Yang Securities Cup

Won 30th Wangwi Won 7th Kiseong

Won 40th Kuksu

Won 1st Ch'eonweon

Won 28th Myeongin

1995:
Runner-up in 20th Kiwang (as a 9-dan)

Won 29th Wangwi

Won 6th Kiseong

Won 39th Kuksu

Won 27th Myeongin

1994:
Won 19th Kiwang (as a 7-dan)

Won 5th Kiseong

Won 38th Kuksu

Won 13th KBS Cup

Won 26th Myeongin

Won 31st Paewang

1993:
Won 4th Tong Yang Securities Cup

Won 18th Kiwang (as a 6-dan)

Won 4th Kiseong

Won 37th Kuksu

Won 25th Myeongin

Won 30th Paewang

1992:
Won 3rd Tong Yang Securities Cup

Won 24th Myeongin

1991:
Runner-up in 2nd Tong Yang Securities Cup

Won 11th KBS Cup

Won 23rd Myeongin

1990:
Won 24th Wangwi

Won 34th Kuksu

1988:
Won 8th KBS Cup

Right now he is at the semi-final of the 6th Ing Cup

Lee Changho (W) vs. Lee Sedol (B) in the 6th Ing Cup, semi-final 1 W+R