I have played almost 650 go matches and, while having reached rank 20 kyu before, I am fairly often stuck at 25 kyu; it is time I take a more thorough and effective approach to studying and learning how to play my favorite game. I don’t necessarily like taking a systematic approach, and if it takes away from the enjoyment of learning then I’ll stop. But I’d really like to improve and bring out the potential I know I have. Google searches have yielded some suggestions:
“Clearly identify what information is missing and its specific nature. This includes the ‘research questions’ [I’m assuming in terms of Go these are the areas of study in general such as invasions or the opening phase], objectives [strategy long term and short, tactics], or problems you’re trying to address [weaknesses in my playstyle or how to achieve a general type of goal] and pinpointing the data gaps.”
As well as
“Define objectives: Clearly outline what information you need to collect and why. This helps focus your efforts and ensure the data gathered is relevant.”
Next comes choosing appropriate methods and techniques for gathering data, such as reviewing my old games, reviewing old pro games, asking a higher ranked player, “group survey” (i.e. forum post), or maybe just observing other players.
The information being gathered, i.e. the skills I’m missing and areas of play I’m weak in, needs to be relevant and reliable, and accurate, consistent, and well-organized (I do take good notes at least).
(As a last ditch effort, I can start a new journal and “Clarify What I Know”, which is to document all of my existing information related to Go, which is supposed to help identify precise gaps and guide further efforts.)
Does anybody have any suggestions for any of this?
For example, looking back at a game of mine from earlier in the day, I saw that I am “missing” information on how to handle being invaded. This includes bases, making/preventing eyes, running into the center, etc.
What might be an effective and reliable way to ensure I learn the missing skill/information accurately? Technique or methods such as guidebooks, practice problems, a high ranked tutor? And lastly Google says the information learned has to be organized (my notes), analyzed to extract meaningful insights using appropriate tools, and finally acted upon by interpreting my findings to inform decisions.
I welcome any and all feedback. Thank you for reading, those of you who stuck it out.
