DavidSJ’s Favorite Go Resources

For those just getting into Go, or those already playing, here are my favorite Go resources:

Introduction

• Go: Life Itself — This article does a great job of explaining why you should be interested in Go. It doesn't delve at all into the tactics or strategy, but it's an engaging primer on Go history and the current Go scene. Reading this is what lured me into the game.
  
• The Interactive Way To Go — This step-by-step online tutorial is probably the best way to learn the rules quickly and concisely.
  
• The Book of Go — This book is a nice introduction to the game, including basic opening theory and full-board strategy, and it also contains a portable cardboard 9x9/13x13 goban.
  
• The Master of Go — A classic novel, calm and contemplative in tone, which does a terrific job at conveying the Go feeling, as well as the clash between the old and the modern in Japan, as manifested in a famous 1938 title match.
  

• Graded Go Problems for Beginners — Each book in this four-volume series contains hundreds of problems, mostly on (but not limited to) life and death. It is absolutely vital to solve problems like these to build up your tactical reading ability.
  
• Lessons in the Fundamentals of Go — Widely considered (including by yours truly) the essential reading for any Go player. Made a huge impact on my game when I first read it over a year ago (five months after I started playing). Re-reading it now 12 stones stronger, I am uncovering a whole new dimension I could not appreciate the first time around. Useful at any level, from a kyu who has been playing a couple months, to experts in the dan ranks.
  
• Sensei’s Library — An open-source Go encyclopedia; easy to get lost in. Contains a huge volume of information on just about every subject relevant to the game.
  
• GoProblems.com — For those who don’t want to spend money on books, this library of Go problems of all skill levels is almost as good.
  

• Kiseido Go Server — Very sociable, and great teaching tools. The best place to send new players (since it doesn't require installing anything), or to have a lesson. If you play there regularly, you should download the CGoban client to your computer.
  
• Internet Go Server — This server has more players, so it's easier to find a game, and the atmosphere is more serious and competitive. This is where I play most of my games. If you've got a Mac, Goban is a great IGS client. There's also glGo, which is a very good cross-platform IGS client.
  
• Dragon Go Server — This server is designed for “play-by-email” games. You get an email notification when your opponent moves, and you can make your move by visiting the web site. Great for playing a year-long game in the background of your life.
  
• Local Go Clubs — The American Go Association’s list of local Go clubs and chapters in the U.S.