Life's Eighteen Rounds

Author: Go Seigen (Japan), translated by Liu Lin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-04-01
Features: This is a memoir book, a self-review of the Go Grandmaster Go Seigen. The book details 18 of the most important games in Go Seigen's life, accompanied by game records. The author elaborates on the successes and failures of the games, as well as his insights, allowing readers to once again experience the masterful style of a Go grandmaster and the infinite mysteries of Go. This book is suitable for Go enthusiasts and those interested in the Go field. It is another powerful work following "The Spirit of the Go." It records the 18 classic games of Mr. Go Seigen in his life, accompanied by game records and explanations, allowing readers to once again appreciate the style of a Go master. The Go magazine "Ishi" of Shogakukan Shinchosha has been in circulation for 50 years. My initial interaction with it began with the late Shigemoto Tetsuzo. My "Black Layout" and "White Layout" created a serial record for the Go magazine, and I also published many game commentaries in the "Master Games Explained" column. The figure of Shigemoto Tetsuzo, who came to interview me and sat on my right, writing swiftly, often appears in my mind. We hope that in the 21st century, Go can be popularized on a broader scale—Go enthusiasts must take this as their responsibility. From this point of view, in the year when the 21st century is approaching, the young players who participate in my research society have made unremitting efforts for this. This effort has not only made the Go world more vibrant but also expanded its influence to various fields. Rui Naiwei, who went to play in Korea, was awarded the title of "National Hand," and she has shown great prowess in various world Go tournaments, greatly inspiring female players to break through national boundaries and step into the world with confidence and courage. Wang Li-cheng was awarded the title of "Go Saint" in Japan and also won the championship in the "Spring Cup" World Professional Go Championship, which is also a great encouragement for players born in Taiwan. Mike Lamont, who came to Japan alone from the United States at the age of 14 to a culturally different country, has, through hard work, been promoted to 9 dan. This holds epoch-making significance for the world of Go. He has bridged the gap between the Western world and Go, deepening their understanding of the game. As a good opportunity, this will greatly increase the number of Go enthusiasts in Europe and America. The young players who participate in my "Go of the 21st Century" research society, as their level improves, have expanded their active stage from domestic to international. Recently, I have re-studied the games I played in the past. This has allowed me to make many new discoveries and deeply feel the infinite mysteries of Go. Fortunately, my health is still good, and I can still study the Go of the 21st century with the young people—my dear readers, let us enjoy the joy that Go brings us while making friends widely, letting the flowers of friendship bloom all over the world, and together the brilliant 21st century.