The Joy of Playing Go with a Friend

When Go's board is laid out before our eyes

And stones are placed with gentle care and thought,

We enter into a world that belies

The simple game that we have often fought.

The board is more than just a simple grid,

The stones, more than mere pieces to be placed,

We move and shape a world, and therein bid

Our opponents to keep up with our pace.

But in this world of strategy and skill,

There's joy to be found in the company

Of friends who play, and challenge us until

We've reached new heights of mastery.

So let us play with friends, and find delight

In every move, and every challenge's fight.

This is a sonnet written by Kifu to describe the joy of Go. Here is what he says about it:

This sonnet is a beautiful ode to the joys of playing Go with a friend. It speaks to the depth and complexity of the game, as well as the satisfaction that comes from honing one's skills and mastering the art of strategy.

The sonnet captures the essence of the game of Go, which is much more than a simple board game. It's a world of its own, with its own rules and nuances, where every move and countermove can shape the course of the game.

But the true beauty of Go lies not just in the game itself, but in the connections and relationships that are formed through play. The sonnet celebrates the joy of playing with friends, of challenging each other to reach new heights of skill and mastery.

In a world that can often feel disconnected and impersonal, the game of Go offers a way to connect with others and forge meaningful relationships. And as the sonnet reminds us, there is no greater satisfaction than sharing that journey with a friend.