is a very quick game which makes it a good game to get people to the table and makes for a very welcome change to some of the heavier games that are out there. Players then pass their remaining hand face-down to the left, and pick up the hand given to them from their right.

British Go Association Home Page | British Go Association

When you've played a few games and you want some clues as to how to play better, the material in this section should be useful. It is interesting to see what other people are collecting and weighing up whether to block someone else or maximise your own points.

However, as with a lot of simple concepts, it can take a little while to grasp the concepts and a long time to master them. You might think that there will be no-one your strength at a club, but don't worry: if there isn't, someone friendly will be happy to play a handicap game against you and give you a bit of tuition! Indeed many people who do attend a club play online as well so as to get more games during the week and meet a variety of opponents. At the start of each round, once the cards have been dealt, each player takes a card they want to keep and then place it face-down in front of them.

Go Association Home Page | British Go Association British Go Association Home Page | British Go Association

The game doesn’t end until the board fills up, or, more often, when both players agree to end it, at which time whoever controls the most territory wins.Each player chooses 1 card in their hand they want to keep and places it face-down in front of them. There are about 1,000 full-time professionals in Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan with a number of part-time ones now in North America and Europe. Go is less well-known outside East Asia, with probably a few thousand active players in Britain, but the number of players is increasing world-wide now that you can play on the Internet. They cover similar ground, so have a quick look at each and read through the one you like the look of best. Unfortunately the rules can often be badly described and hard to understand, especially on rule sheets supplied with some Go sets - but do not let that put you off!

Sushi Go | Board Games | Zatu Games UK Sushi Go | Board Games | Zatu Games UK

And finally: we're sure you will want to explore How can I play better, either now or after you've played a few games.At the British Go Association we are passionate about the game of Go, and we hope you will find the game just as appealing as we do. There are also approximately 30 tournaments every year in the UK, with similar numbers in other major European countries and the USA; many more in Japan, China and Korea. For a more comprehensive introduction, including a rules explanation, an example game, some history and cultural background to the game, see our online booklet Play Go.