Page 1 of 1
What go set should I buy as a first set?
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 8:12 pm
by rafaelclp
Not *really* my first set, I got a cheap 13x13/9x9 board with 5.6mm single convex stones last week, but also want a more decent one.
I'm in Seattle for the next 2 months and want a decent set to bring when I return to my country, so it has some limitations (mainly: not too heavy, not too tall). Also, nothing too expensive. Up to $150 for goban + stones + bowls seems reasonable.
I was thinking about this:
- Board:
Shin Kaya 1.2" Japanese Standard Size - 19x19/13x13- Stones:
Yunzi Double Convex Stones - 9.2mm (Size 33)- Bowls: no idea (maybe get
this instead of getting stones+bowls separately)
What do you think?
Thanks for your time

Re: What go set should I buy as a first set?
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 8:36 pm
by jeromie
I have a similar board (though without the 13x13 on the reverse) and the same yunzi stones, They make for a serviceable set that is pleasant to play with. If they are within your budget, I think they will serve nicely.
Re: What go set should I buy as a first set?
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 9:52 pm
by CnP
Yellow Mountain Imports (the company selling those items) have their own website & have been around in the Go business for ages. You might want to consider ordering directly from them for a bit of a saving.
e.g.
http://www.ymimports.com/collections/go/products/yn-ts012-alooks like a nice set btw.
Re: What go set should I buy as a first set?
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 10:19 pm
by cornucopia
I think you can't really do anything wrong with buying this board and stones, they look nice!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Re: What go set should I buy as a first set?
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 10:50 pm
by rafaelclp
jeromie wrote:I have a similar board (though without the 13x13 on the reverse) and the same yunzi stones, They make for a serviceable set that is pleasant to play with. If they are within your budget, I think they will serve nicely.
Is the board durable? And what about the lines? In the cheap board I bought I accidently hit part of one line with my nail while removing the stones from the board and damaged the paint (removed some of it).
CnP wrote:Yellow Mountain Imports (the company selling those items) have their own website & have been around in the Go business for ages. You might want to consider ordering directly from them for a bit of a saving.
e.g.
http://www.ymimports.com/collections/go/products/yn-ts012-alooks like a nice set btw.
I was thinking about doing that, but wasn't sure if I could trust the company (I mean, in case something went wrong). But if they are in the business for so long I guess I can, thanks! Will buy directly from them then.
cornucopia wrote:I think you can't really do anything wrong with buying this board and stones, they look nice!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Alright, will buy these now then.
Re: What go set should I buy as a first set?
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 10:54 pm
by swannod
rafaelclp wrote:Not *really* my first set, I got a cheap 13x13/9x9 board with 5.6mm single convex stones last week, but also want a more decent one.
I'm in Seattle for the next 2 months and want a decent set to bring when I return to my country, so it has some limitations (mainly: not too heavy, not too tall). Also, nothing too expensive. Up to $150 for goban + stones + bowls seems reasonable.
I was thinking about this:
- Board:
Shin Kaya 1.2" Japanese Standard Size - 19x19/13x13- Stones:
Yunzi Double Convex Stones - 9.2mm (Size 33)- Bowls: no idea (maybe get
this instead of getting stones+bowls separately)
What do you think?
Thanks for your time

I have a similar YMI Shin Kaya set + Yunzi Stones + Bowls from 4 years ago. Very attractive and playable set!
Re: What go set should I buy as a first set?
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2016 10:56 pm
by rafaelclp
swannod wrote:I have a similar YMI Shin Kaya set + Yunzi Stones + Bowls from 4 years ago. Very attractive and playable set!
Done

! Bought the set.
Thanks everybody! It was easier than I expected!
Re: What go set should I buy as a first set?
Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2016 4:49 am
by Bonobo
rafaelclp wrote:Done

! Bought the set.
Thanks everybody! It was easier than I expected!
I just looked at your links – I think you’ll be
quite happy with your new Go set. Let us know, will you? Ideally with some photos of you and friends playing it

Re: What go set should I buy as a first set?
Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2016 1:47 am
by Ninjaboots
I have the exact same board and stones... but different bowls. I have learned to avoid bamboo after I had a 20mm bamboo board start splinting apart with the changes in weather here. This set is a joy though. I wish I had started with it instead of buying other things first.
I use a slotted maple veneer board and single convex stones with grass-knit bowls for travel/study. This "travel" set was significantly less expensive (clocking in around 1/3 the price of the other set) but it's great for doing variations or moving around as it's quite light-weight.
rafaelclp wrote:I... ...wasn't sure if I could trust the company
YMI has had great customer service in my experience. When the bamboo board I got from them started splintering apart after only a month, they offered me the Shin Kaya board as a replacement (for a small fee). When my Shin Kaya board arrived, it was broken in two! I notified them and they had a new one out to me a week later. I have ordered through Amazon, and they're still able to give support through that storefront, or their page on eBay. The only downside I can think of about ordering direct from their site, is that you have to spend $100+ to get free shipping, where as their other storefronts often offer it anyway.