Project Shodan, KGS nick - Vladimir

[oren]

I will when I'm logged through desktop. 95% of the time, I'm logged in via Android client and it doesn't support rooms.

You can join rooms on the Android client. I have done it. Use menus on the chat screen to join.

[vpopovic]

God damn it! How stupid I have to be... I never saw this menu in chat screen. Thank you, Oren.

[Toge]

The purpose of the ranking system is to ensure balanced games between players where each player has equal chance to win the game. This is done by assigning players ranking based on their past performance against opponents. Since there are volatile factors affecting match performance, ranking is based on confidence. The more data there is about player's performance, the more confidence system gives to that player's rank. This confidence value is represented in three steps. These steps are [?], [x?] and [x] ranking. In reality there are far more degrees of confidence beyond just stable rank.

Many players are confused by this, because they think their ranking defines their playing ability and get "stuck" in some rank. Some players develop superstitious beliefs and attempt to cheat the system to get their ranking up.

The way to get better is to improve your thinking. Journey to mastery is to see the game in a new way. It's also about being able to read, estimate and calculate accurately. Get out of your comfort zone and practice what you feel is your weakest link.

[vpopovic]

The way to get better is to improve your thinking. Journey to mastery is to see the game in a new way. It's also about being able to read, estimate and calculate accurately. Get out of your comfort zone and practice what you feel is your weakest link.

Very good advice. I needed couple of months to find out what is my comfort zone in a first place, but now I think I'm ready for new stuff.

In addition, this is a game I played this morning. I won by time but I think I would win anyway, even with my poor endgame skills. However, during the game most of the time I felt lost and got that feeling that position is very complicated and beyond my skill. I would like if someone stronger can review this game and explain me why I won a game that was lost around 100th-150th move. Thank you in advance.

[Bill Spight]

In addition, this is a game I played this morning. I won by time but I think I would win anyway, even with my poor endgame skills. However, during the game most of the time I felt lost and got that feeling that position is very complicated and beyond my skill. I would like if someone stronger can review this game and explain me why I won a game that was lost around 100th-150th move. Thank you in advance.

A few comments on the opening.



Main focus: Life and Death. (Not tsumego. Study the basic positions.)

[vpopovic]

Thank you, Bill. I know I messed up big time at least 2 times in the opening. This is why I'm wondering how the hell I won this game...

[Splatted]

Some thoughts.

136: Should have saved the three stones. He got some compensation, but it was still a huge loss.

Around 167: Huge unnecessary loss for white.

208: I haven't read it out properly so the mistake could be a little later, but I think this is what allowed the 3-3 invasion. It definately wasn't possible before the D5/B5 exchange so that's well over 20 points lost.

[vpopovic]

Yup, it seems that these three points decided the game...

[Bill Spight]

Thank you, Bill. I know I messed up big time at least 2 times in the opening. This is why I'm wondering how the hell I won this game...

You won because White timed out. White was ahead when play ended.

[vpopovic]

I planned to descend S3, S2 then to cut at Q5. It's a question how would that end up.

[Bill Spight]

I planned to descend S3, S2 then to cut at Q5. It's a question how would that end up.

That is an excellent plan! After Black cuts at Q05, White connects at S06.

[vpopovic]

That is an excellent plan! After Black cuts at Q05, White connects at S06.

Guys, do you have days when, no matter how hard you try, you can't play good go? Today I have a feeling that, no matter what do I do, I won't win (as I haven't in three games today).

[Boidhre]

That is an excellent plan! After Black cuts at Q05, White connects at S06.

Guys, do you have days when, no matter how hard you try, you can't play good go? Today I have a feeling that, no matter what do I do, I won't win (as I haven't in three games today).

Of course. So many things factor into how well you play, anything that affects your concentration, sleep quality for instance, will play a role.

[Bill Spight]

That is an excellent plan! After Black cuts at Q05, White connects at S06.

Guys, do you have days when, no matter how hard you try, you can't play good go? Today I have a feeling that, no matter what do I do, I won't win (as I haven't in three games today).

Well, as far as your plan goes, it's good go. It makes good use of Black's aji in the bottom right corner. With correct play, White still wins the game, but that does not detract from the plan. Besides, White might make a mistake.

Also, you can often learn more from your losses, because your mistakes are more obvious that those you made and still won. In addition, learning takes place within games as you generate goals and try to attain them, whether you win or lose.

After all, your goal is to learn. If you learn, you will win. The converse does not apply.

[oren]

Guys, do you have days when, no matter how hard you try, you can't play good go? Today I have a feeling that, no matter what do I do, I won't win (as I haven't in three games today).

I had a week where I couldn't win anything (even from won positions) and unfortunately that was a US Go Congress.