| Go etiquette |
| Go etiquette | |||
| Go is sometimes referred to as "the way of Go". Just like such traditional disciplines as judo, kendo (Japanese sword-fighting), tea ceremony, flower arrangement and so on, dignity and etiquette have been valued. |
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| The basics of Go etiquette while playing are to avoid giving an unpleasant impression to the opponent and to compete fairly on the Go board. |
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| * | Greeting | ||
| The players exchange greetings before the game, bowing to each other and perhaps also politely asking the opponent for a game. When the game finishes, the players bow again or say "thank you" for the game. Of course, you mustn't forget to tidy away the stones in the bowls! |
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| A game begins and ends with a greeting | |||
| * | Never take moves back | ||
| Taking a move back and playing elsewhere is taboo. It's a good idea to develop the habit of not touching the stone until you have decided where you want to play. This way you'll play your moves with confidence; also, you won't jingle the stones in your hand or stick your hand in the bowl and rattle them, both of which are unpleasant for the opponent. |
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| Never take moves back | |||
| * | Talking during the game | ||
| Another name for Go is "talking with the hands". Each move you play on the board is a meaningful means of communication, so there is no need to talk during a game. Sometimes it may be fun to make jokes or friendly comments when you are playing with a good friend, but if overdone this may interfere with the opponent's concentration. |
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| The worst habit of all is commenting on games other people are playing. Even involuntary reactions like "Ah!" or "Oh!" are annoying for the players engaged in a game. Spectators must not interfere with a game in any way. |
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| Spectators must not interfere with a game in any way. |
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