One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do

[snorri]

One of my usual ice breakers when meeting new players is asking whether there is a club they go to. Very often in the U.S. the answer is no or (more often) yes, but I don't go---it's too far, has an inconvenient schedule, etc.

So although lonely, you are not alone.

For me, in person play always was and continues to be a chance to broaden my own social skills and learn to have conversations with people of different ages, backgrounds, personalities and native languages. At first, it seemed intimidating to me. I assumed I had nothing in common with many players. But of course, we all have Go in common, and that makes a big difference.

The only advice I can give regarding this uneasiness is just...keep...showing...up. Soon enough it will seem normal. Be sincerely unfazed.

"Nothing shocks me. I'm a scientist." -Indiana Jones

[shapenaji]

And what's more, its usually up to this newcomer to assimilate into the group, not the other way around.

Quirky traditionalists can accommodate themselves, because we've got the Internet!

Looking back generally the club location was more important for attendance than anything, since the go was quirky, and there weren't many good match ups, however they usually were a hub of activity in a scenic or entertaining location. In the DC area the clubs tend to be in cramped basements in churches or libraries. So yeah I can get a nice game in on my front steps with my iPad.

Actually, DC is pretty flush with players. The NOVA club, the GWGC, and then the Korean clubs in Annandale...

[darkpolarbear]

There are the US GO congresses right? I'm wonder that you have this feeling.

Or you guys could visit China, Korea and Japan. Maybe you would have a good game on the pavement with a stranger in a good mood!

[SmoothOper]

And what's more, its usually up to this newcomer to assimilate into the group, not the other way around.

Quirky traditionalists can accommodate themselves, because we've got the Internet!

Looking back generally the club location was more important for attendance than anything, since the go was quirky, and there weren't many good match ups, however they usually were a hub of activity in a scenic or entertaining location. In the DC area the clubs tend to be in cramped basements in churches or libraries. So yeah I can get a nice game in on my front steps with my iPad.

Actually, DC is pretty flush with players. The NOVA club, the GWGC, and then the Korean clubs in Annandale...

North Virgina, Annandale, Bethesda, what is this NASCAR?

[skydyr]

Quirky traditionalists can accommodate themselves, because we've got the Internet!

Looking back generally the club location was more important for attendance than anything, since the go was quirky, and there weren't many good match ups, however they usually were a hub of activity in a scenic or entertaining location. In the DC area the clubs tend to be in cramped basements in churches or libraries. So yeah I can get a nice game in on my front steps with my iPad.

Actually, DC is pretty flush with players. The NOVA club, the GWGC, and then the Korean clubs in Annandale...

North Virgina, Annandale, Bethesda, what is this NASCAR?

If this were NASCAR, they'd be out in Richmond or Delaware.

Incidentally, what sort of venue would you prefer a club have?

[SmoothOper]

Incidentally, what sort of venue would you prefer a club have?

I am just pointing out that the Rockville suburb with a population >200,000 doesn't have a club, or if it is it is a Go club in name only. I am not sure what a good venue would look like, in my experience student unions were decent. I wonder has anyone had success leveraging the "Meetups" web portal to get go meetings going? Maybe for smaller groups who need a more flexible schedule.

[shapenaji]

Incidentally, what sort of venue would you prefer a club have?

I am just pointing out that the Rockville suburb with a population >200,000 doesn't have a club, or if it is it is a Go club in name only. I am not sure what a good venue would look like, in my experience student unions were decent. I wonder has anyone had success leveraging the "Meetups" web portal to get go meetings going? Maybe for smaller groups who need a more flexible schedule.

I think my primary point was that there's such a high density of players in DC, you can really meet and play go almost anywhere. The Korean clubs were always my favorite, but there were enough people that there was always someone to call to go play somewhere fun.

Sometimes that was Dupont circle, sometimes Politics and Prose, sometimes it was just someone's house.

If the venue isn't to your liking, call someone and suggest a venue...

[skydyr]

Incidentally, what sort of venue would you prefer a club have?

I am just pointing out that the Rockville suburb with a population >200,000 doesn't have a club, or if it is it is a Go club in name only. I am not sure what a good venue would look like, in my experience student unions were decent. I wonder has anyone had success leveraging the "Meetups" web portal to get go meetings going? Maybe for smaller groups who need a more flexible schedule.

I think my primary point was that there's such a high density of players in DC, you can really meet and play go almost anywhere. The Korean clubs were always my favorite, but there were enough people that there was always someone to call to go play somewhere fun.

Sometimes that was Dupont circle, sometimes Politics and Prose, sometimes it was just someone's house.

If the venue isn't to your liking, call someone and suggest a venue...

For this to work, of course, you have to be willing to make go-related connections to existing people and groups so that you have people you can contact.