The first is a lecture by Takemiya Masaki 9p on his choice of the “best selection of cosmic-style game”. He gives detailed commentary of the game between himself and Cho Chikun to decide the 1988 Kisei challenger. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-mC7AKWXA8.

The second video introduces several modern “AI style Josekis” in a lecture by Cho Zuiketsu 5p. These new moves are analyzed in detail using actual games between Cho and other pros as examples, including a very clever ladder-blocker that you don’t want to miss! Cho should be familiar to the western players as he was dispatched by the Nihon Kiin to the Seattle Go Center in 2018 and to Europe in 2019. See https://youtu.be/ZhRQnht3Gg4

The third video is given by Tajiri Yuto 5p on “how to use thickness for kyu players”. Tajiri visited the US Go Congress and the Seattle Go Center in 2019 and was a popular lecturer for the kyu players. In this lecture he discusses how to build and use thickness, an important topic as one moves from the kyu to dan ranks. See https://youtu.be/0mkARrIL5zQ

INAF seeks to fund one or two university projects for a comprehensive literature survey and review of research linking mind sports to cognitive science. Of particular interest is how mind sports such as Go may contribute to the cognitive development of youth and to the cognitive maintenance of senior citizens. The deadline for submitting a proposal is March 31, 2023. See details.

INAF Board has approved establishing a new “INAF Lifetime Achievement Award” to honor individuals who, over their lifetime, have made significant contributions to the advancement of the culture and sport of Go in North America. It is expected that up to one award will be made each year. The deadline for submitting a nomination is March 31. See details.

The Iwamoto North American Foundation (INAF) is pleased to sponsor two more lectures produced by the Nihon Kiin. 

The first is a dan-level lecture in English by Michael Redmond 9-dan on “the Art of Sacrificing Stones” based on a game between the greatest master of the Edo period, Honinbo Dosaku (本因坊道策), and the multi-talented genius Yasui Santetsu (安井算哲). The URL is https://youtu.be/C-nS2xpqfQ4

The second is a kyu-level lecture on “Useful Techniques for Capturing Race” by Tsuruyama Atsushi 8-dan, given in Japanese with English subtitles. The URL is https://youtu.be/MpxuHGhiXW0. 

The Iwamoto North American Foundation, with co-sponsorship by the Nihon Kiin, announces a special YouTube game analysis in English by Ichiriki Ryo 9p, current Japanese Gosei title holder.  His opponent is the 7-crown champion Iyama Yuta; the occasion is a challenge match in the Tengen title series.  The match is dubbed “Gosei vs. Kisei”– the clash between the top two Japanese pros of 2020 – 2021.  See https://youtu.be/BDKxsJLii0M.

In recent years, INAF and Nihon Kiin have jointly sponsored a number of teaching events every year.  In 2021, several online events will be held instead.  Below we announce the first two of this series – two zoom lectures intended for kyu players but all are welcome to sign up.

Please sign up for the event(s) of your choosing.  The zoom links will be sent to all registrants in late July.

Event 1

August 2^nd, US Eastern time 21:00 to 22:30.  Lecture for kyu players by Mitani Tetsuya 7p (三谷哲也) and Antti Tormanen 1p.  This pair has visited Europe and given many popular lectures since 2012.

Event 2

August 7^th, US Eastern time 21:00 to 22:30.  Interactive AI play for kyu players with Tajiri Yuto 5p (田尻悠人).  All participants will join in to play with AI; Mr. Taijiri will lead and provide Q&A, quizzes, and commentary.

Future events include:

Lecture by Tsuruyama Atsushi 8p, a student of Cho Chikun, on “Key points of Capturing Race” (single-digit kyu to 4d players);

Lecture by Michael Redmond 9p on Technical Improvements (dan players);

Lecture by Mitani Tetsuya 7p and Antti Tormanen 1p on “Understand Go Rules and How to Play on 9×9” (beginners);

Lecture by Ichiriki Ryo 9p, commentary on his games (all players). 

Watch here for announcements!!!