Lessons in the Fundamentals of Go

A touch of humor

My favorite thing about this book is the style. It talks directly to the reader as if the reader were questioning what they were being taught. And this is great because the information can sometimes seem so simple that you do find yourself questioning it.I would say about 75% of this book is just focusing on its diagrams and examples. The diagrams are well done and the book uses them effectively. I was almost always able to simply read the book and didn't get out a board to look at a position unless I wanted to study it more in depth. Around 5% is an overview of topics without diagrams - such as talking about what a "proper move" is - but it will always quickly get back to examples. I learn well from this kind of teaching - quick discussion and then examples of how it applies - so this book was great for me. And the other 20% is exposition, stories about Kageyama's experiences as a professional and teacher, and general thoughts on go and life. I really enjoy these parts because it is nice to not only take a break from study but to see what it is like to be a pro and how this has impacted Kageyama's life and view of go.Who should read it?I want to say "every go player" but that's not really fair. I think the target audience is moderate to high level amateurs.If you at least 10 kyu, and willing to learn, I think you can get a lot out of this book. If you are a really determined 15k I think you can also get plenty from this book. Lower than 15k might be hard because some of the problems are difficult and require reading out 10+ moves. It will require the patience and humility to actually struggle through. I had to fight to solve some of these problems as a single digit kyu player. So perhaps first looking at other books like the Elementary Go Series would be better for players below about 12k and then picking this book up when you reach SDK.Dan players may not find everything useful, but I also would be surprised if any but the strongest players got nothing out of this book. The author uses examples from amateur dan games to demonstrate how amateurs miss important moves because they don't stick to the fundamentals. If you are a dan player that has never read this book I think it would be safe for me to still recommend it.A good attitude is important for this book. You need to be willing to look critically at your own play. But if you go into this book with the understanding that none of the content is beneath you then I can't imagine you won't get stronger.

Point 1:Forget about most efficient use of study time. This book is worth reading for entertainment value alone, and you'll learn some things, too. Kageyama-san very much comes across as the Go version of the street smart veteran coaching the young hot shot. Some of his instructions are hilarious as well as insightful and show that he really had fun distilling his years of experience to write this book.For example, there is this dialogue with an imaginary student: Hearken ye who play [xx] just because it is joseki, and learn its true meaning. "Why bother. The move is the same whether you know what it means or not." Yes, but that is why you don't improve. Try playing moves you understand for a change. For one thing, it will make the game twice as interesting.(BTW, this is exactly what a chess coach told me 30 years ago about that game.) Then this, as he tries to convince that something which is obvious to a player of his rank is actually obvious:'Are White 2 to 8 really so bad for Black?' I can hear the question coming so here is my answer. 'Bad? Preposterous would be a better word. Look at Black's compressed position. Look at White's outer influence. Fall in love with that thick white wall. Realize how good White's result is. If you can not understand this, lay the position out on the go board every morning as soon as you get up and chant the words, "White's thickness is superior." 'Point 2:His advice about how to think about the game is priceless, especially his 'coach's advice' to get a firm grasp on the fundamentals. I'll probably be reading this book yearly for my entire go career.

Just as each go player has his or her preferred strategies, there is probably a book out there tailored to every type of go player. However, adhering to the fundamentals is something every beginner must learn, and every seasoned player must not forget; this is the genius behind the book. I would recommend it especially as the first go book that one acquires, regardless of skill level. It's important to realize what the book is not: it is not an encyclopedia of opening moves, corner positions, or joseki, though these concepts are covered. Instead, Kageyama 7-Dan covers the broad principles of the game such as connection, the "movement" of stones, and proper shape supported by a few relevant illustrated examples (tsumego and actual game records). The book is not totally comprehensive, but I feel that the author carefully chose only a few powerful examples within each topic to keep the reader engaged. Meditate on a lesson, attempt the puzzle presented, and implement the concept into a few of your games. Then, move to the next topic; this seems to be the best way to soak in such a small book with so much wisdom. If it doesn't directly improve your rank, as it did for me, most readers will at least appreciate the humor and anecdotes sprinkled throughout the text such as blunders made by go professionals and even comments on Japanese versus American baseball.

First of all the book is readable. This isn't always true of Go books. The wisdom is mixed in with anecdote which kept me there as I struggled with the topic.The book is credible - the author does a very good job of "been there made that mistake" which also helped me stay engaged.Uniquely, in my experience, this book also spends a reasonable amount of time discussing stupid moves and why they are so, which I found to be invaluable. Further I was pleased to get advice on what not to do, e.g., (slightly exagerated for effect) "don't bother studying Joseki, get the principles right" which validated my inability to read even two pages of "38 Joseki".Before I even finished it the first I think I improved by one stone. Definitely value for money there, then.It will require re-reading, it is a book to keep by your side, to dip into, gleaning a bit more each time. It's the best book I've ever bought since Iwamoto (which is a great place to start)Of course, anyone that has previously bought any book called "Fundamentals of <subject matter>" will realise this isn't a beginners book. However, as a self taught player, this one has definitely improved my understanding.Highly recommended

This is THE book. For kyu players, it will instantly improve your strength by at least one stone, and over time many more. It did wonders for my game when I was first learning the fundamentals. I'm looking forward to reading this book again - currently it's on loan to a friend, then he finished it and lent it to someone else. It's one of those books that's just a pure classic that everyone should read.

Great book, and nicely written in an often amusing style which makes it easy to dip into when you feel the need to improve your game, and this book will improve your game as it focusses on building solid technique and getting the basics right.

I am very happy.

Bon livre technique -Kageyama parle beaucoup de lui (indirectement) - sa technique est très martiale, surement donc efficaceAu détriment peut être de la beauté, du mystère, de la portée spirituelle du jeu.... A vos souhaits !;o)