Life In 19x19

Mateusz Surma 3p on Go, Travel, and the European Go Congress

In this interview, European pro Mateusz Surma 3p talks about his Go journey—from learning in Poland to training in Korea and traveling across Asia. He reflects on teaching, competing, raising his daughter in the Go world, and shares thoughts on the European Go Congress, its challenges, and how it compares to Go culture in Asia.

New Go Magic video! https://youtu.be/xFfE-SM81iI

Ever struggled to explain what the game of Go is to someone?
Now you don’t have to!

We’ve released a new video that introduces Go in a simple and engaging way — perfect for sharing with friends who are curious but don’t know why to start.

Just send them the link — we’ve got it covered!

New Go Magic video! https://youtu.be/-PsetDoVi2Q

Attack and Defense in the Middle Game – Now Fully Released!

Both parts of our new course, are now available.

In the opening, speed and development lead the way — but in the middle game, the real battle begins. Groups clash, strategies shift, and survival and supremacy are on the line. You’ll learn to fend off relentless attacks and launch devastating counter-initiatives of your own!

Let's conquer:
https://gomagic.org/courses/attack-and-defense/

Trailer: https://youtu.be/C9zM47o06uM

Lee Sedol vs. AlphaGo: What Really Happened in the Match

Everyone remembers the 4–1 score—but what did the AI really do? This is the definitive story of AlphaGo told through the lens of a Go player. Dive into AlphaGo’s key moves, surprising mistakes, and the legendary “Move 78”. A deep analysis of the AI that changed Go forever—and what it taught us about human creativity.

New Go Magic video! https://youtu.be/Pd-kOPyVvRc

Vladislav Vinokurov: A Promising 12-Year-Old Go Player’s Story

Vladislav has achieved more in Go by 12 than many adults will in a lifetime. Watch this compelling interview about his journey, practice philosophy, favorite platforms, and his hopes of training in Asia. You’ll walk away inspired—and maybe ready to solve some tsumego.

New Go Magic video! https://youtu.be/lbjd8qt7jhg

The Open Skirt Dilemma: When to Block, When to Reduce p.1

The Open Skirt ("Susoaki" in Japanese) is one of Go’s most misunderstood shapes. Block too early, and you risk overcommitting. Reduce too passively, and your opponent claims the board. So how do pros navigate this delicate balance?
In this first part of the video, Benjamin Dréan-Guénaïzia 1p, European Champion and the 10th EGF pro, shows you exactly how it’s done.

New Go Magic video! https://youtu.be/sCXxF9toYag

The Open Skirt Dilemma: When to Block, When to Reduce p.2

The Open Skirt ("Susoaki" in Japanese) is one of Go’s most misunderstood shapes. Block too early, and you risk overcommitting. Reduce too passively, and your opponent claims the board. So how do pros navigate this delicate balance?
In this second part of the video, Benjamin Dréan-Guénaïzia 1p, European Champion and the 10th EGF pro, shows you exactly how it’s done.

New Go Magic video! https://youtu.be/H67tWB7hyMI