The game of go is the oldest and one of the most widespread in the world. The system of the game seems confusing, but with experience comes the understanding that go is an art. In the absence of an element of randomness, computer programs have long failed to beat the masters of Go. The machine cannot think creatively, so go remains proof of the superiority of human intelligence over artificial intelligence.
Game history
According to rough estimates, the age of go is up to three thousand years. The game appeared in China, according to legend, it was invented by one of the emperor's courtiers. In the 7th century, the game was already known in Japan, but the peak of popularity in Asia began 800 years later.
Only at the beginning of the last century did it penetrate to Europe and North America. The strategy game has captivated those who are ready for intellectual competition. Asians continue to lead by the number of players and the level of skill. Europeans and Americans have formed federations, are gaining experience and one day they will be able to compete with dignity in tournaments.
By the beginning of the 21st century, the art of go was comprehended by 50 million people on the planet, although 80% of them live in East Asia. 127 thousand people play in the USA, 80 thousand in Russia, in Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands and other European countries there are from 20 to 45 thousand players each.
Go competitions are regularly held in the world, in 2004 the Taiwanese (playing for Japan) Cho U (張栩) became the champion, who received more than a million dollars in prize money.
Interesting Facts
- Even a five year old can learn the rules of go. However, the complexity of the game is such that even computer programs cannot beat the best players.
- Unlike chess, which activates the left hemisphere of the brain, go includes both hemispheres.
- The giant go tournament was held in the city of Oita (Japan). On a field measuring 40 × 40 meters, the players moved stones weighing almost two meters in kilo.
- By decree of the Japanese emperor in the 16th century, all government officials were required to learn to play Go. Now this art is one of the subjects in business schools around the world.
- It was only in 2016 that the AlphaGo computer program defeated world champion Li Sedol (이세돌) for the first time.
- Multiple world chess champion Emanuel Lasker valued Go as a tool for developing strategy and tactics. Confident in his victory, the grandmaster wanted to play a game with the average Japanese player. Even a serious handicap did not help Lasker win. The chess player admitted that there are many subtleties in the game. Later he wrote a primer.
The ability to play Go in China, Korea and Japan is considered a must for people seeking a career. During the game, the opponents begin to better understand each other's train of thought, can assess the intellectual level and the ability to control emotions. Why don't you use eastern wisdom by mastering the ancient game ?!
