Go is an ancient, subtly beautiful game of territory. But with its nearly endless possibilities and challenges, it is more than just another game; it is a way of life for tens of millions of players throughout the world. Embodying four thousand years of Oriental thought and culture, go is the oldest game in the world still played in its original form. Go is the kind of game that one can learn in a day-and spend a lifetime perfecting. It is more art than science: in order to surround and capture the opponent's territory, one needs intuition, flexibility, and acute perception combined with a sharp analytical mind. Each player is a partner in an exercise of coexistence; each player needs the other for self-enlightenment and for enjoyment. But then, too, go is a game whose strategy has been compared to the tactics of guerilla warfare. Go can be all things to all people; it is simple, elegant, and unexpectedly beautiful. You will also get a glimpse of what life is like in a Chinese go school for aspiring professionals. The book also discusses the fierce competition to become a professional, and how those who fail to make the grade enter the amateur go ranks, raising the level of amateur tournaments to nearly top professional standards. No matter what your level of play, whether you want to study games or are just looking for some entertaining reading about go, this is the book for you.