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Comment by edanm | Hacker News Reader

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edanm·

I've never played, but I'd be happy if someone could point me to the best place to learn.

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Easiest way to pick up the basic rules and gameplay is through:

The Interactive Way to Go: http://playgo.to/iwtg/en/

Its also available in 32 other languages: http://playgo.to/iwtg/

Beyond that I recommend 9x9 games, on Windows download yourself a free copy of iGoWin: http://www.smart-games.com/igowin.html or on OSX or Linux check out GnuGo.

There's also a Linux live cd/distro with lots of learning tools by the name of Hikarunix: http://senseis.xmp.net/?Hikarunix

p.s.: You can find me on KGS, my user name is muloka. I'm just starting to break the 5k boundary.

If you want to learn, the easiest way to start would be on a 9 by 9 board using a program like gnu-go.

Computers are awfully predictable and have a hard time even on a 9 by 9 board.

Next up, I would look at checking out a local Go club, maybe read a book or two, maybe check out igs/kgs.

For an absolute beginner I'd add that the computer should give you a 9 stone handicap. Dial the handicap down as you start to get the hang of it.

Move to a 13x13 when you want the game to get more complex. Raise the handicap again when you do so.

You have a really good tutorial on www.gokgs.com Plus you can play there with begginers.

http://senseis.xmp.net/ is not bad

The "learn to play go" series of five books by Janice Kim is the best.

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