Learn to Play Go, Vol. I: A Master's Guide to The Ultimate Game, Janice Kim

Rules and Techniques – know before you Go
Historical and cultural notes put the game in context
Designed for speed and ease in learning
Try-it-yourself section in each chapter
Suitable for children, demystifying for adults
Learn Go from scratch or brush up on the fundamentals
Covers the ground from beginner to 15 gup in one book
Fist in a series that takes you, step by step, all the way to the master levels
Listing of associations around the world
Go set with reversible 19×19, 13×13 and 9×9 boards included

Comments & Reviews

For beginners, yes, but pretty decent - Written by G-Go

I already had learned to play the game a bit, but I still found that this book is helping me get the grasp of some of the techniques that other books/online material does. Like Malweth, I also found this in a Barnes & Noble and quickly scooped it up.

One thing I did notice that there is a real game in it (albeit I have found only 1 so far) but it helps illustrate some of the techniques taught so far in an actual game. I have got Vol. II and III but I haven’t perused them yet.

I think it’s not a bad pickup for a beginner needing some help with the very basics. Obviously if you’re a higher level player it’s not going to be as much use to you, but I do find that it’s not a bad reference book to start out and sharpen your skills, even a little.

Excellent primer - Written by ScatCat

This book taught me how to play go. It’s geared toward the complete beginner and does an exemplary job illustating the basic concepts behind go. Where this book differs from other introductory primers is in its generous use of easy to understand diagrams. This book is not designed to teach a wide array of skills. Its purpose is to give the reader a firm grasp of the fundamentals and do so clearly and concisely. Learn to Play Go volume 1 accomplishes its goal flawlessly.

Good book for total beginners - Written by Codexus

The “Learn To Play” series were the first go books I purchased immediately after I started playing.

I had already read a few tutorials online like the famous “Interactive way to go” and this is why I found this book offered not enough material. I could have skipped directly to the volume 2.

Half the book is there just to explain the rules and the other half explains the most basic techniques (ladders, geta, bamboo joint). Everything is explained very clearly and after reading it a neophyte will be ready to play his first game.

The author, being korean, doesn’t like japanese terms so sometimes the vocabulary used is a bit different to what is commonly used which can be a bit confusing for a beginner.

The book also includes a “complete go set”. Which means there is an awful cardboard thing in it. But the “stones” are too big for the “boards” which makes it totally unplayable and worthless.

So this book is great if you have no idea what go is but if you have already played a couple of games you can probably skip this volume.

Great book for beginners - Written by sai-guy101

This book is perfect for people just learning the rulesof the game. It has the rules of the game in it, and also other things related to Go, too.

Best Introductory Book - Written by ChiyoDad

This is the book which got me started. If you know absolutely nothing about the game, or have just learned the basic rules, this book provides you with a gentle and programmed instruction which lays the foundation for the range of 30-kyu to about 28-kyu on KGS (although the publisher’s hyperbole would make you believe that you could achieve a Korean rank of 15 gup with this book alone).

The criticisms that I often hear about this book is that it is light in its contents and that one could spend their money on other books that have more "meat". That’s very true; but I think Ms. Kim really understood her intended audience. Volume 1 of her series is written to give you a quick and clear understanding of the basics so you can start playing, experimenting, and having fun with other newcomers to the game. Later, those who decide to take the more challenging path of learning will sort themselves out and seek the books with more depth.

This book includes cardstock boards and pieces for 19×19, 13×13, and 9×9 games. Good for starters but you’ll eventually want a real, full-sized board.

If you are past the introductory stage, you do not need this book. If you are just starting, this is the first book for your core library.

ChiyoDad’s Interpretation of the Rating Scale 5 = Core library item 4 = Good study supplement 3 = Fair study supplement 2 = Interesting 1 = Buy it if you just collect Go books

Absolute beginner only - Written by malweth

This book is an excellent “Barnes & Noble” book – it’s an absolute introduction to the game and features in the big American bookstores.

This book features 90% diagrams, 10% words (perhaps an exaggeration, but close enough). For the experienced 20-kyu player, however, this book is not enough and more serious beginner books might be appropriate.

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