Playing go again

I started playing go in 1995, mostly because computers sucked at it. Another reason I picked it was that there were many older players - I liked the idea that this was a hobby I could keep for the rest of my life. I stopped playing competitively in 2006 when my son was born and I just didn’t have time for serious study between working professionally and being a parent.

I carried on as an increasingly casual player . Partially it was time - moving to Auckland meant I was spending a lot more of my life in transit, and starting my own business meant I had even lot less ‘free time’. It was also a question of priorities, my work was intellectually stimulating and I needed something different. I was able to carve out time to pick up ultimate frisbee.

Last year I decided that I’m just getting too old for ultimate frisbee. Too often in a competitive game I simply cannot keep up with my mark and so let the team down. I still do ok, but it’s clear what direction things are heading. So… I’ve been trying to pick up go again.

It’s been hard. My play is extremely inconsistent, with my old skill level coming through in some areas while I play like a beginner in others. I don’t have the concentration I used to, and I tend to get into all-or-nothing fights rather than backing off. I’m not sure whether i’ll be able to keep it up or not, but it’s been good pushing myself to try.