Sunday, March 20, 2011

Go: The World's Oldest Board Game

By Tim Hoffman


Go is an exciting board game for two players which is becoming increasingly popular right now. People have been playing Go for about 4,000 years and it is still very popular today. In recent times, more and more people are learning the game, because it helps improve concentration, memory, logic and creativity. And, because it's fun! So let's learn more about what Go is.

Go originated in China, where it is known as 'weiqi'. After that it spread to Korea, where it's called 'baduk', and Japan, where they call it 'igo'. These words basically mean 'surrounding game' in their respective languages. That was thousands of years ago, but more recently the game was introduced to the western world through Japan. That's where the name 'Go' came from. Let's take a more detailed look at why it is very popular right now.

Go can be enjoyed by players of any level: Whether you're a complete beginner of an experienced player, it is fun to play. There is a simple and effective handicapping system, so players of different skill levels can play each other and both enjoy the game. As you get better, you will notice new things that keep the game interesting, but you don't need to understand everything to start playing. You can play with a friend and learn the game together, or you can play online. After you've played for awhile, you might want to look for a Go club in your local area. There are clubs in most major cities around the world.

Go exercises and improves your ability to focus and remember things. Research has shown that playing Go improves brain function for people of all age groups. The game helps prevent memory loss in older people and improves young peoples' ability to learn and do well at school. No matter what your age is, playing regularly can help you. Most board games require strong problem solving and logical skills, but not so much creativity. Go is different. When players in Japan had their brains scanned as part of a study, it was discovered that playing the game required both sides of the brain and that it strengthens creativity as well as logic.

Go is a strategy game: The game teaches you to master your emotions and plan ahead. People often liken it to different strategic problems they are familiar with. Sometimes it's business or the share market. Other times it's politics or war. Whatever you see in it, many of the principles of the game relate to other disciplines on a strategic level. Most people in the work force today know that strategic thinking is an important skill if you want to get a job that pays well. The principles in Sun Tsu's classic 'The Art of War' relate directly to Go, as well as business. This gives you a chance to practice different strategies, before applying them to real life.

There's much more to the game of Go, but I hope this covers the main points about what Go is and why you should learn to play it. My advice is to grab a friend and try it for yourself as soon as you can. If you learn now, I guarantee it will improve your life and you won't regret it. Most people who learn wonder why they didn't take it up earlier. All the best on your journey to master the art of Go.




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