Life In 19x19

I started go 3 years ago and played it for half a year three yeas ago. Then I stopped. I dont know why.

One day I saw a go board in a show I was watching and remembered how beautiful the stones look when you play. I really wanted to play again. Now I dont have a chance of escaping the game.It fallows me everywhere and is always on my mind. Its strangely addicting, and effects my emotions more than anything else.

Anyway, when I started it up again.... I found I sucked. After a month I am still pretty terrible. Re-learning lessons I forgot is kinda fun.

I question though... why I play this game. Whats the point? I mean sure, its fun, but why? I dont know. There are plenty of other things to become obsessed with. I don't see why I want to get stronger. I don't want titles or to become any kind of dan or kyu. I just want to fight on the board.

I cant think of a good reason why this game has any meaning to me.

So, I wonder, What is your reason for playing GO? How did the game drag you into it?

I was taught by a friend about ten years ago, but stopped playing a few months after. A couple years later, I played for a few months again, and stopped. I assume I wasn't in a state of mind that made me receptive to keeping on playing. I also only played online.

Once I started playing games over a real board, about a year ago, only then was I hooked. I've also always preferred playing people I know or who are physically present. No idea why.

The game is strangely addicting. Its difficult to put into words why it draws me in so. Its like its not so difficult to enjoy at a beginning level, and there's always room to grow and learn at the higher levels too.

I have no idea why go is so addictive and fascinating. Maybe we shouldn't question it and just be glad that we can enjoy the game.

As best I can tell, it just triggers the pleasure centers in my brain.

In most ways, I prefer sitting across an actual board. Few games have such classy physical components.

Something about playing absorbs my attention completely, chess is somewhat similar for me but never sucked me in like go has. I think it's simplicity of the game combined with the tactical and strategic depth possible that pulls me in. I wish I'd discovered this game a lot sooner.