GMG Upcoming Events

• > Click here for upcoming event details! <
• NEW! 4/14: Birdwatching, 1pm Arboretum
• 4/21: Bocce ball, 2pm WPLBC
• NEW! 4/28: "Songs from the 50s", presentation by Alan, 2pm GSC
• 5/5: Pickleball, 2pm LHCC
• NEW! 5/12: "Rock, Gem & Fossil Show" by Chuck, 2pm, GSC
• 5/19: Bocce ball, 2pm WPLBC
• NEW! 5/28 (Wed.): Low Tide Walk, 11:30am, Golden Gardens
• 6/2: Pickleball, 2pm LHCC

Missed an event? Find out what happened!

Go: The World's Oldest Game

by Peter Kron
(Ballard)

Go is basically unchanged since it originated in China around 4000 years ago. Go is the Japanese name, having migrated there about 1000 years ago and becoming very formalized during the Samurai era.

I learned of the game in college 50 years ago, and although we understood the rules (which are very simple), we had no concept of overall strategy. It's similar to chess in that way.

When I arrived in Seattle, I discovered the old coffee house Last Exit on Brooklyn where the Chess and Go players hung out, some of whom were quite good. I played there for 4 or 5 years but never really advanced much. Then kids happened and I had a long hiatus.

In the meantime, the coffee house closed, and the Seattle Go Center opened (now next to the PNA Tools Library). I eventually joined the board of directors and now spend a lot of time teaching at outreach events, such as the University Street Fair. I enjoy working with beginners and also advise the Go Club at a local high school.

Still learning, although there are a lot of resources on the Internet now. As they say, 5 minutes to learn but a lifetime to master. (9 lives may be preferable.)