Why All the Buzz About Go?
Discover the timeless appeal of the Surrounding Game, also known as Go (Igo/Baduk/Weiqi) in 2025.
What Is the Game of Go?
Go is an ancient abstract strategy board game for two players, celebrated for its simplicity and depth. From its almost forgotten origins in China, it journeyed across East Asia before capturing the imagination of players worldwide.
“It’s the most infinite board game we know of, which has made it the holy grail of AI research. For decades, human professionals dominated Go until 2016, when Google’s DeepMind unveiled AlphaGo, an AI that redefined intuition in gameplay.”
How Ancient Is It?
Historians confirm Go’s history stretches over 3,000 years. However, traditional accounts suggest it could be more than 4,000 years old, making it the oldest continuously played board game with unchanged core rules.
- Learn more about its origins in this short history video by GoMagic.
- Also explore their in-depth article on Go’s history
Many Names, One Game.
Go’s name varies across cultures, mainly:
- Igo in Japanese (“surrounding board game”)
- Baduk in Korean
- Weiqi in Chinese (pronounced “Wei-Chi”)
Gameplay in a Nutshell.
Go is about territory. Players use strategies like capture, isolation, and control to dominate the board. While abstract at heart, the game has been interpreted as a metaphor for war, frontier settlement, market domination, and even prophecy.
“The number of legal board positions in Go is estimated at 2.1×10^170” — far greater than the number of atoms in the observable universe.
Why Play Go?
Go isn’t just a game — it’s a mental workout. Playing Go improves memory, focus, problem-solving, emotional resilience, and cognitive flexibility. It’s a timeless tool for sharpening the mind.
You can check this dedicated post explaining why you should play go
Recommended Resources to Learn the Benefits of Enjoying the Game of Go / Baduk / Weiqi
- Watch How the ancient game of Go is a guide to modern life - Ted Talk by Silvia Lozeva
- Articles on Self Developement & Psychology from GoMagic.org
- Learn how Left And Right Brain Unite to Play Go
- Transitioning from Chess? Read Chess vs GO on GoMagic.
For a heartfelt perspective, read Devin Fraze’s Why We Play Go on Baduk.Club
Some more stuff you can check on the benefits
- Check out the Benefits of Weiqi
- Explore 5 Reasons to Play Go at GameOfGo.app
- Read GoPsychology
- A wonderful video by Here We GO.
Go in Popular Media
Hikaru no Go
The iconic manga and anime series Hikaru no Go, released in Japan in 1998(Manga) / 2001(Anime), introduced a few generation to Go.
In 2020 it was turned into a Chinese Drama as well.
Synopsis: Shindo Hikaru, a Japanese sixth grader, discovers an old Go board inhabited by a ghost only he can see. This series inspired countless amateur players to explore Go.
Many amateur players owe their interest in Go Game to this series.
AI and Go
In 2016, AlphaGo, an AI developed by Google’s DeepMind, defeated 18-time World Champion Lee Sedol , marking a turning point in AI history.
- Read the Wiki Article on AlphaGo vs Lee Sedol.
- Watch: AlphaGo documentary
Go in Film and TV
Go has appeared in numerous films and series, such as:
- A Beautiful Mind
- Tron: Legacy
- The Glory (Korean TV Series)
- Knives Out
- Go Into Your Heart
- The Divine Move 1 & 2
For more, check these curated lists:
- On Senseis site: Movies, TV Shows, Animation & Comics
- On BritGo’s Site: Filmography, Manga/Anime, Novels
- List of Movies on GoMagic.
I’ve also seen Weiqi/Baduk References in 100+ Manhuas/Manhwas I’ve read.
Discover Celebrities Who were very passionate about Go.
Ready to Learn?
Love Wikis? Dive Deeper
- Explore the dedicated Go wiki : Sensei’s Library
- Check out Wikipedia’s page.
Want to Teach Kids?
Introduce young learners to Go with fun resources like My First Book of Go Exercises by Leandro Soriano Marcolino.