Life In 19x19

Is there any information on this on the internet? I can't find any. Is it true that they are generally happy to accept non-Korean players?

In my experience, Korean establishments in the USA do not always list themselves in the telephone book or on English websites. The easiest way to find one is probably to find a Korean person or post on a Korean forum.

You could also drive around an area where a lot of Korean people live (El Camino Real around San Jose, for example), and look for signs. There's one such club that I found in San Jose this way. I think they didn't only play go, though. I peeked in and they seemed to be playing other games.

In my case, I had met a strong Chinese player that visited the Korean cultural center. That is how he discovered the KiWon.

The Korean players I've met are mostly friendly towards western players.

The only major cultural issues have come from how the local club establishes ratings. If someone asks your rank, give an ambiguous answer like "I give my friend two stones". Take black for the first game. Consider asking for a two stone handicap as a sign of respect.

long as you pay your fee they are happy to play you.
all major cities have kiwon.
you may try korean yellow page.
or better yet call korean taxi company and ask.
i used them as a phone directory when i lived in NYC.

Thanks, everyone.

Magicwand wrote:long as you pay your fee they are happy to play you.
all major cities have kiwon.
you may try korean yellow page.
or better yet call korean taxi company and ask.
i used them as a phone directory when i lived in NYC.

Korean cab drivers hang out in Kiwon. So, it makes sense to ask them (Korean call taxi).

Korean 2 keup (kyu) is about 3-4dan I believe. When I was AGA 2d (still says that though), I was about 5-6 keup in Korean kiwon.

Yeah, for me it's always been a word of mouth thing. They've been pretty accepting of non-korean players in my experience, but with non-asians, they tend to underestimate you (it's occasionally difficult to get games, play the owner if he's there, he'll get an idea for your strength and set you up with games). If you're at least Asian-looking you're probably going to be welcomed... unless you happen to be Japanese, it's possible there's some lingering anti-Japanese sentiment, but I've only heard that prejudice expressed once.

Also, "kyu" is a very rough translation of gup no? Those that use gup don't generally have dan ranks...

il-gup could be anywhere AGA 7d or stronger

In 90% of lower ranking players (below 2-3 geup or keup), they play what is called street baduk. This is an trial and error method rather than learned or studied.

For the same rank, they will be 2-4k lower in fuseki/joseki skills but 2-4k higher in fighting skills and fighting spirit.

Also being humble is ingrained into the culture, so telling someone that you are 1-2geup lower is normal.

The usual beginning game greeting is "Pleaese instruct me" or something similar in rough translation.


No matter how strong you are, you can't get dan rating. This is because it is a certification process with a test rather than skill. So, unless you have gone through the process, you will not have dan rating.

red_z06 wrote:Also bangneki is ingrained into the culture, so telling someone that you are 1-2geup lower is normal.

Fixed that for you.

The Go Center near me is run by Koreans but they actively encourage players of any nationality. Also, they use dan/kyu ranks. It's my understanding that the old gup rank system is on the way out, even in Korea.

LOL

It is true that people don't play as hard when money is not involved. When you play for money, they are setup based on relative handi stones (not rating). So, rating yourself lower does not improve odds. It is done out of humility. Boasting is usually looked down in Korean culture.


Bahng (1-10 points)

Mahn Bahng (91+ points)


They strive hard to get Mahn-Bahng. I may have played once of twice of bahng (1-1o points) naki (betting) while going to one kiwon for 2 years to learn baduk.

regulars in korean go clubs are strong in tricks and josekies.
do not underestimate them... for they only play for money and dont want to lose.

Magicwand wrote:regulars in korean go clubs are strong in tricks and josekies.
do not underestimate them... for they only play for money and dont want to lose.

If you want to learn hamete and extreme fighting spirit, Korean kiwon is THE place.

A guy from my club suggested we go to one soon, so hopefully before too long I'll get to post how terribly I got thrashed. =D

Bad fuseki or loss during a joseki does not matter to them. Why, because it is kill or be killed kind of game. What is 1-2 point loss during a corner dispute when your goal is to beat by 91+ points.

Chew Terr wrote:A guy from my club suggested we go to one soon, so hopefully before too long I'll get to post how terribly I got thrashed. =D

Have fun! it's a great time, I miss my kiwon back in the Metro DC area. Not much of a Korean population in Eugene.

Also, don't worry, in my experience folks almost never play bangneki (it's quite expensive). Most of the time it's just a flat amount per game if you want to bet.

You certainly don't HAVE to bet, they'll play with you all the same, However, if you want them at their strongest, I recommend a small wager, 5-10 bucks should be plenty.