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KGS was a special place where I've spent many hours not just playing but also kibitzing the pros (and TheCaptain).

This doesn't really happen in the same way on the currently popular Go or Chess servers.

I am not sure whether its closed "Java Applet" form has been its strength, its downlfall or both but it does seem unmatched in its community.

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Oh wow! I used to love TheCaptain and his wacky, aggressive style. Players like Carmel were always a pleasure to watch too (since I wasn't 6D+ myself).

I do think the Java Applet (which used to give virus warnings) and the fact that other go servers (like Tygem) had stronger/more exciting games caused the decline. Maybe splitting the userbase into "Rooms" was too much? I also think the move to their "Shin KGS" web player came too slowly and OGS ate Kiseido's lunch.

Captain the best

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