Hi, Richard here.

I became very interested in go while reading the book 'Shibumi', about 40 years ago. I learned the rules, bought a cheap plastic set and played it with friends occasionally (and poorly) for a few years until I misplaced the board. Since then I've played very rarely online and "over-the-board" (on an iPad)

I recently saw the AlphaGo movie and find I'm mildly obsessed with the game once again. I'm trying now to learn in earnest; doing puzzles/playing the computer on OGS and I look forward to playing online games with humans and in person soon. Yeah, and I can't deny this obsession includes plotting a purchase of a nice set to replace my long lost plastic set

When you are ready for face to face play, here is a list of Maryland go clubs: https://www.usgo.org/where-play-go?state=MD#listing

Thanks gowan for the MD club info!