Kage's Secret Chronicles of Handicap Go, Toshiro Kageyama, 7 dan

In handicap games, one should not use the handicap stones to grab territory. Rather, the stress should be on building up influence and playing a fast, fighting game. Most amateurs, however, try to amass territory quickly and defend it firmly to the end. This strategy completely contradicts the spirit of the handicap stones.

By studying the pro-pro handicap games in this book, you will learn the proper way to play handicap Go and also grasp the essential character of Go.

Comments & Reviews

An entertaining piece - Written by Javaness

I enjoyed reading this book, if only of rthe witty writing style. It focuses quite a lot on speed and influence, but there is a lot of good joseki discussion there too. One of the classics on how to play Handicap Go.

Excellent - Written by ciatsd

Contrary to malweth’s opinions of this book, I found it to be very instructional. I have not read any other handicap go book, but for what it’s worth, I think this book certainly helped me get at least a little stronger.

Definitely among the easiest of go literature…it is Kage’s typical conversational tone (because for the most part, it is conversation) which, I think, is incredibly easy to read.

A fun book with good writing style - Written by malweth

This book may not be the best example of a commented games collection. It also might not be the best example of Pro Handicap games (though I wouldn’t know for sure). What this book is: a fun read with engaging banter. The book includes handicap games between two pros (Kage and his friend) as well as against various amateurs. The comments read like a novel, and the method of explaining situations is memorable. The only downside to this book is the older translation (the word "niggardly" has long gone out of use for obvious reasons, though look it up before you judge). It’s a good book for most players, though its use will be limited except for a fairly exclusive range of ranks (maybe 1k-1d?)

NOTE: I’ve updated this to 3-stars to reflect the book rating system change. It’s an excellent read, but not really going to make you much stronger.

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