Post by クレイグ (Kureigu) on Jun 13, 2014 13:20:56 GMT -4
author: Cho Chikun
This post is more of a "first impression" since I haven't finished reading the book. Also, this is the first book on Go I've read, so I have no other books to compare it with. I have been playing Go for about two months now, so am still very much a beginner - take my impressions with a grain of salt.
First, with all of the resources on the internet, purchasing a book is not the best way to get started. The are many sites to dip your feet in, learn the rules and how to play your first game. See the "Beginner Go Resources" thread for my recommendations.
By the time you get far enough that it is worth spending money on a book, this book is essentially a review, at least as far as I have read. However, there are three things I've noticed in the book, that give it a leg up over the online resources. One, the writing more engaging than I've seen on websites. Not quite conversational, but more "friendly instructor." Two, chapters are interspersed with historical information about the game. I'm sure you can find all of that on wikipedia or Sensei's Library, but it is nice to take a break and see "behind the game." Third, although it is not interactive, and you work through many problems less than something like 321go, the book really focuses on the repercussions of each move. It would not be obvious to a complete beginner, but it's slipping in some strategy very early. Most beginner resources I've seen focus entirely on tactics. I assume more long-term resources, such as 321go will bring in strategy later, but I have not made it that far yet.
The verdict: Inconclusive. You definitely want to read this book. The question is "Is this a book you should have on your bookshelf?" So far, I'm saying borrow it from the library or a friend. However, I'm less than half-way through it. I will post more when I get farther in the book.
This post is more of a "first impression" since I haven't finished reading the book. Also, this is the first book on Go I've read, so I have no other books to compare it with. I have been playing Go for about two months now, so am still very much a beginner - take my impressions with a grain of salt.
First, with all of the resources on the internet, purchasing a book is not the best way to get started. The are many sites to dip your feet in, learn the rules and how to play your first game. See the "Beginner Go Resources" thread for my recommendations.
By the time you get far enough that it is worth spending money on a book, this book is essentially a review, at least as far as I have read. However, there are three things I've noticed in the book, that give it a leg up over the online resources. One, the writing more engaging than I've seen on websites. Not quite conversational, but more "friendly instructor." Two, chapters are interspersed with historical information about the game. I'm sure you can find all of that on wikipedia or Sensei's Library, but it is nice to take a break and see "behind the game." Third, although it is not interactive, and you work through many problems less than something like 321go, the book really focuses on the repercussions of each move. It would not be obvious to a complete beginner, but it's slipping in some strategy very early. Most beginner resources I've seen focus entirely on tactics. I assume more long-term resources, such as 321go will bring in strategy later, but I have not made it that far yet.
The verdict: Inconclusive. You definitely want to read this book. The question is "Is this a book you should have on your bookshelf?" So far, I'm saying borrow it from the library or a friend. However, I'm less than half-way through it. I will post more when I get farther in the book.