I have stopped going to an offline go club for a couple of years due to life. But wanted to start going again. But I think, what's the value of an offline go club? IN Sydney we were lucky to have An Younggil give lectures on pro games.

Also, some personalities are not fun to be around. So the club was sometimes poisoned by that.

Other than that, what are the values of an offline Go club?

Touching real boards and stones? Friendly atmosphere (this may not be true in every club)? Reviewing games is easier on real boards? Real beers are tastier then e-beers?

Socialising. Easy reviewing. Swapping/loaning books. It's really just down to the people very similar to being part of an online club on Discord or similar. Clashing personalities will ruin things easily.

I'd say it depends on the person an the environment. Some people learn better isolated, some learn better in small groups.

Take care

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玄 之 玄

Beer.

Avoiding cheaters.

Assuming one is not violently competing for money or prestige, go should be an enjoyable social experience between amicable opponents. The benefits of playing go with humans in real life are immeasurable and others have listed them. There are bullies in my club, too. They have more fun beating up on each other than I have when they beat up on me so I just decline.

We are both in high risk populations so my wife is not letting me out of the house to do anything during The Madness except the absolutely necessary external adventures. Assuming vaccinations are widespread and effective, attending go club is out of the question for at least another year. Could be two years if proposed measures prove to be ineffective.

Be smart: Wear gloves, bring your own stones, wear masks, bring sanitizer, don't yell at each other, don't get too close, don't share your beer.

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David Bogie, Boise ID
I play go, I ride a recumbent, of course I use Macintosh.