Anguish

[hailthorn011]

I have officially reached rock bottom. I'm 3-10 in my last thirteen games, and 1-7 (Only win coming against a 23k) in my last eight. I don't put much emphasis on winning. I like to look at it as me still having a lot to learn a majority of the time, but now I can't even seem to get a quality win over a quality opponent. My playing stinks. My strategies are meager. And my brain is utterly frazzled.

I just don't really know what to do. Recently I came across a large stock of books, but I don't really know where to start. When I do read it, it doesn't necessarily hold my attention-Doesn't help that I have ADHD-and I can't make sense of a lot of the information I read.

I know it's just a game, and more of a hobby, but I do harbor goals of reaching 1d before Christmas, and I doubt it will happen if I proceed as I am currently. Oh, and my family thinks I'm totally bonkers for spending so much time playing the game. Amusing.

Does anyone have any sort of advice that could perhaps help me, pardon the expression, "see the light" ?

[Solomon]

Take a break.

[hailthorn011]

Take a break.

Well, I actually just returned from a 13 day resting period.

[Solomon]

Take a break.

Well, I actually just returned from a 13 day resting period.

I mean just a few hours, take your mind off the game and then come back. 13 days is pretty long, and your losses could just be you trying to get back into the groove.

[Stable]

Perhaps you're about to improve. It's pretty common to feel massively disenchanted about your skill level just before you get better for a few reasons. The common ones mentioned are that you lose a lot while new concepts work their way in but are not refined enough to exucute properly, or that you can see your mistakes all the more clearly due to new knowledge, but can't apply that knowledge yet before the fact to prevent those mistakes. Perhaps losing a lot is an amazing trigger to improve. Either way, don't worry, be happy and I guarantee you'll come out of it. (Don't worry be happy don't worry... Reggae advice ftw!)

[daal]

...Doesn't help that I have ADHD-and I can't make sense of a lot of the information I read.

I know it's just a game, and more of a hobby, but I do harbor goals of reaching 1d before Christmas, and I doubt it will happen if I proceed as I am currently. Oh, and my family thinks I'm totally bonkers for spending so much time playing the game. Amusing.

Does anyone have any sort of advice that could perhaps help me, pardon the expression, "see the light" ?

You seem to be putting too much pressure on yourself unduly. First of all, drop the "1d before Christmas" shtick. Second, if you have trouble keeping your attention on one thing, then acknowledge that you are at a disadvantage, and that go is an excellent opportunity for you to improve this skill. (Something your family might appreciate). One idea would be to play more 13x13 games and gradually train yourself to concentrate for a longer period of time. Here's a quote that you might find useful from the KGS info of one of my opponents in the ASR League, blackmoa:

Don't get shaken.
Don't drop your guard.
Stay fully alert.
Don't get distracted for a single moment.
Otherwise your head will be rolling to my feet.

[cdybeijing]

Do you know why you lost each one of those games?

[xed_over]

see the "help sort my head out" thread in the beginners section
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=2983

[AlGebr]

I think that a book can't help here, most of them aren't a guide for a beginner. But, I think you are making too many typical mistakes, so a review(even by yourself) is very helpful for you.

[hailthorn011]

Well, thank you all for your helpful advice. It helped. n_n

[vash3g]

I've taken breaks up to a month and a half before before playing again. Sometimes i would still go to club to hang out and other times i would not go at all. Breaks are good, sometimes 13 days is not enough....

[judicata]

Good advice so far, I have this to add:

During a game, try to acknowledge when your head becomes fuzzy (I bet you sometimes feel as if you're thinking a 1,000 thoughts at once but can't read out 3-4 moves of any sequence, right?). When that happens, take 30 seconds to a minute and just close your eyes and breathe. Don't think about the game--just breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth; relax your sholders and neck; stop bouncing your legs; stop squirming; and think only about breathing.

Then look at the board/screen without putting your hand in the bowl/on the mouse, and resume your game.

[Redbeard]

If you're looking for a Go book to start with, read First Kyu. If that doesn't put things in perspective, nothing will.

[hailthorn011]

Good advice so far, I have this to add:

During a game, try to acknowledge when your head becomes fuzzy (I bet you sometimes feel as if you're thinking a 1,000 thoughts at once but can't read out 3-4 moves of any sequence, right?). When that happens, take 30 seconds to a minute and just close your eyes and breathe. Don't think about the game--just breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth; relax your sholders and neck; stop bouncing your legs; stop squirming; and think only about breathing.

Then look at the board/screen without putting your hand in the bowl/on the mouse, and resume your game.

This seems like sound advice. I'll definitely try it.

[hailthorn011]

If you're looking for a Go book to start with, read First Kyu. If that doesn't put things in perspective, nothing will.

Hm, I'll have to look into getting that one. I've been reading this Joseki Dictionary I have. It seems informative, but I'm not sure I really understand a good portion of it yet.