The reviewing and studying of pro go games are essential in improving the level of play and one of the most enjoyable activities. While amateur players may not fully understand the complexity at play in pro games dues to our limitations, it does not prevent us from appreciating the beauty of the game and learning from it. This guide will describe how to review pro go games for players of different levels.
How to Review Go Games For Beginners
For beginners, you do not have to force yourself to understand all possible variations in the moves, which is not only impossible but may lead to frustrations. One only needs to observe the flow of the game and the shapes of the groups. This is to help beginners familiarise themselves with the common shapes and positions that commonly occur. To achieve such a purpose, review many games with an emphasis on the initial part of the game. The games reviewed will become nutrients for growth for developing a sense for the game. You will soon find yourself able to replicate some of the moves to a degree of success.
For the purposes above, I highly recommend players with an orthodox style to start as such players are usually easier to study than players with a fighting style. One contemporary player who comes to mind is Hane Naoki, with an orthodox style of thick and calm play, emphasizing good shapes. He exemplifies this style to become one of the most successful Japanese players of his time.
I advocate against using AI for reviewing pro games for beginners. This is because recommendations from AI is often much too difficult to learn or replicate. One may tend to be overly focused on the win rate instead of studying the positions of the game. I also need to point out that the win rate fluctuations may mean very little in human terms. And that learning simpler humanly moves first may be much more helpful.
Here are some Go books for beginner that you can buy on amazon:
How to Review Go Games For Advanced Players
For experts, emphasis should be put on calculations for the meaning behind the moves. More time should be spent on the middle and end game, where more calculations are required to understand the positions. The use of AI should be an excellent complementary element when studying the game, to judge which side is leading and to explore possible variation. However, the win rate and move suggestions should not be taken blindly since such moves are often impossible to replicate during the game.
Another suggestion is to review the game at least twice. The first review should be an overview of the positions and exchanges involved in the game. On the following reviews, try playing out the game on the board without referring to the game record. This method will help simulate a first-person perspective on the developments of the game, which helps tremendously in understanding the moves.
I recommend reviewing recent games from top players to get up to date on the latest trends in openings. These types of plays may frequently occur in your games. Game records from top players also often involve complicated fights from start to finish, requiring tonnes of calculation.
Go record databases online
- Gokifu.com
- Online go servers, notable Fox Weiqi, Wbaduk, Tygem
