GO on the iPad - A New Approach To An Ancient Game
GO (known also as Wei Chi and 碁) has been a significant part of my life for many years. I was introduced to the game by my good friend Doc Stodden in 2002. Over the years, Doc and I have played many games - both online and off.
But because GO is an obscure game, finding co-players can be difficult. Say what you will about copious consumption and the social implications of the iPad. This post is about GO, not the politics of the technology industry. And to that end GO on the iPad is a really amazing experience.
GO is one of the oldest games in the world, and has been a stable of political and social leaders for millennia.
Go players lay black and white stones on a 19 x 19 grid. They players attempt to control territory by surrounding open points of intersecting lines. Stones - or groups of stones - are removed from the board when they poses no remaining points of play, or ‘Liberties.’ The game progresses until one player concedes. The remaining free points are counted, and the player with the most ‘eyes’ wins…
