What is a good strategy in go?

Question

I like to play the japanese game of Go frequently. However i am horrible when i play the game. I have read many books and they have not helped me, so could someone here answer my question?

Answer 1

Books alone are not the answer, you also need to play a lot (and yes, lose a lot). One of the reasons I like Kiseido Go Server best is that it allows one to review games. It also has a room specifically for weaker and stronger players to get together and review old games or play teaching games.

I don't know which books you read or what level you're at, but in my experience just reading through once is often not enough. If they cover situations of any complexity one should study them in detail. Actually put out a board and play out the stones. Also, tactics are as important as strategy so practice several life and death problems every day (not super hard ones, ones you can usually do).

Books I would recommend:
Yilun Yang's "The Fundamental Principles of Go"
Kano Yoshinori's "Graded Go Problems for Beginners" (There are 4 volumes for different strengths. I'm guessing vol. 2 or 3 would be best for you).
Otake Hideo's "Opening Theory Made Easy"

Ok, to hold you until then here are some hints and rules of thumb:

Play corners first, sides second, center last.

Third line for territory, 4th for influence.

Cut your opponent's weak stones, connect your weak stones.

Don't get greedy. It's about territory, not killing. Don't get into a capturing race until you've read it out and know you can win. Don't get into a ko fight unless you know you have more threats (The exception is if your'e way behind and this is your one last chance).

Count. Practic counting even if you know you're far ahead. Practic counting watching other people's games.

Use your time. Think things out. If you have most of your basic time left on the clock you're playing too fast.

Hope this helps. Feel free to contact me about playing sometime.

Answer 2

Go is a game of practice. Your opponent are unlikely to play something or format you have "seen" in the books.
As a basic, I think u already know the importance of securing the corners, or "stars".
Just a piece of advice, U may try to secure the corners using the "China style" ,means 3 stars in a row at 1 side. Its a very powerful step at the begining.

Answer 3

Have you visited "sensei's library"?
The page I've listed below will give you some brief strategies on fuseki (opening game) for Go.