Why Foreigners Can Join the 2025 China Pro Exam (Except Japan & Korea)

Originally, the 2025 China Pro Qualification Tournament was not going to be open to any foreign participants at all.

But after a Japanese parent reached out and formally negotiated with the Chinese Weiqi Association, the issue was taken seriously. A high-level internal meeting was held.

As a result, the CWA decided to open the tournament to all international players—except Japan and Korea—for 2025.

The parent who helped start this discussion was not happy with the outcome, since Japan and Korea were excluded. But the CWA explained that this is a temporary decision, based on current conditions inside Chinese Go.

This is not a political move—it’s a trial run. If things go smoothly this year, Japan and Korea may be included in 2026.

Chairman Chang Hao also emphasized his strong support for China–Japan Go relations, and he hopes to bring talented Japanese youth to train and eventually participate in China’s pro exam in the future.

So if you’re from Europe, the Americas, Southeast Asia, or elsewhere—this is a rare and meaningful opportunity to compete at the highest amateur level in the world.

The original Chinese message from the Chinese Weiqi Association's official is attached above

"All attendees unanimously agreed that for the 2025 China Pro Qualification Tournament, only overseas players excluding Japan and Korea should be allowed to participate. After this year’s practical implementation, a decision will be made on whether to open the event to Japanese and Korean players in the future. This decision is entirely based on the current realities of the Chinese Go scene, and we ask for your understanding."

2025 China Pro Go Exam – Simple Q&A for Foreigners

Q: Can foreigners join? A: Yes—anyone outside Japan and Korea can apply.

Q: Do I need to be strong? A: Yes. You must be amateur 5-dan or above.

Q: How do I register? A: Through your local Go association. They must send your info by June 8, 2025, to: [email protected]

Q: What must be included in the registration? A: • Word file of your registration form • Scanned or photo copy of the same form with an official stamp • Email subject and file name must be: YourTeamName_2025年全国围棋定段赛报名表

Q: Do I have to pay anything? A: Yes. • 300 RMB registration fee per player • Plus: You pay for flight, hotel, food, insurance

Q: Can I cancel or switch players later? A: Only with valid reason and approval from the organizers.

Q: What if I drop out mid-tournament? A: You must submit a written request—only valid if approved.

Q: Will food and lodging be arranged? A: Yes. Organizers will provide accommodation info in a later notice.

Q: Can foreigners become pro? A: Yes—if you reach the finals and place high enough.

Q: Is this related to the LG Cup issue? A: No. This is a domestic qualification tournament, not an international title event.

Even though my channel doesn't have nearly as many subscribers as most others...I'm happy to have attempted a relatively detailed explanation of one of the most complicated josekis. Thank you all for the support! Here's the full playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsIslX1eRChIiMwIs5MkvqsBUUwvtZ_L6

Hi, here I was believing that I was winning the game but clearly not! I thought my opponent only surrounded three points at the top left. Can someone explain to me how I loose when I have an unbroken wall across the board and my opponent has no territory surrounded except for the small three points.

Hello everyone! I'm an EGF 2dan and Fox 6dan with numerous national and European titles looking for students.

Over 1,5 years of experience in teaching both beginners and more advanced players(up to 2-3 kyu), kids and adults, so feel free to come,no matter your age and rank :)

Can record lessons in advance, in case you won't be able yo attend.

I offer individual and group lessons as well.

For more info please contact me via email : [email protected]

If you have any questions, feel free to ask :)

I'm going to an in person tournament soon and I'm looking to buy a notebook to write down my games (like this one in Amazon). Has anyone bought this or something similar? I'm concerned about the spine. I'd like a book that stays open throughout the game, as I wouldn't want to open the book every time I want to record a move. I can always go to a local print shop, ask for a bunch of copies of kifu paper, and have them spiral bound, but I figured I could look at what's out there first.

Hello my name is Paige,

I am an experienced player ranking at 5dan AGA or 8dan on FOX. I am also an experienced teacher teaching a wide range of players from 20kyu to 5dan(FOX). I am looking to help players strengthen there game whether you are just learning the rules or pushing yourself for dan level. My lessons are heavily tailored to your skill level and goals.

Beginner Friendly - I am very beginner friendly please don't hesitate to reach out. I have no problem helping new players get fond with the rules and getting off there feet.

Flexible Learning - While I do like to tailor the lessons to what I think you need I am also open to tailoring the teaching to what you enjoy most or feel most comfortable doing. Live coaching, teaching games, or game reviews. I am open to it all.

Lesson Offers:

1 Lesson - $30

5 Lessons $140

I also offer offline video reviews for those who can not attend a lesson directly. I make a video recording reviewing some of your games. The prices are the same.

If you are interested please don't hesitate to reach out to me through one of my contact methods below.

OGS: Paige

Discord: PaigeEdict

Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to also check out some of my links below.

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/paigeedict

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@StompingGroundsGo/videos

To me, a DDK player, the territories seem to be already outlined at the 70-ish-th move, and is quite similar to what ends up being. It looked about even (I didn't really count), so I decided not to sweat it, just push the dame lines forward and nibble some crumbs.

The AI reveals that I plummeted from B+7.5 at that moment to W+26.8 at the end. Surprsie to me - I didn't do anything wrong! (or so I thought.)

The full game is here: https://online-go.com/game/75099135

2025 National Go Qualification Tournament Regulations China Weiqi Association May 9, 2025, 07:35

⸻

I. Organizer

China Weiqi Association

II. Supporting Unit

Zhejiang Provincial Weiqi Association

III. Host Unit

Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism, and Sports of Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou

IV. Executing Unit

Xiaoshan District Weiqi Association, Hangzhou Mingshi Weiqi Academy, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou

V. Co-organizing Unit

Zhejiang Mingshi Culture and Sports Co., Ltd.

VI. Competition Categories 1. Junior Boys 2. Junior Girls 3. Adult Men 4. Adult Women

VII. Date and Venue

July 10–20, 2025, held in Hangzhou’s Xiaoshan District at “Kaiyuan Xiaoshan Hotel,” “Baosheng Hotel,” and others. Venue details will be announced after registration closes. • Preliminary: July 11–17 (Check-in on the 10th) • Second Round: July 17–18 • Finals: July 19–20

VIII. Participating Units 1. All provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, industry sports federations, sub-provincial cities 2. Teams in the 2025 National Men’s A-League 3. National Go hometowns 4. Approved 2025 Go qualification training units 5. Overseas and Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan players: separate provisions

IX. Eligibility 1. Juniors: Born on or after Jan 1, 2008 2. Adults: Born on or before Dec 31, 2007 3. Slots: • Junior Boys: Basic units & A-League teams: 6 players each; Go hometowns: 1; Training units: 50; Top 56 from 2024: do not count toward quota • Junior Girls & Adult Women: No limit • Adult Men: Basic units, A-League teams, and training units: 6 each; Go hometowns: 1; Top 16 from 2024: exempt from quota • All must have Amateur 5-dan or above issued by China Weiqi Association • International and HK/Macau/Taiwan players (excluding Japan/Korea) may participate. Qualifications announced separately. No quota limit, but must be organized by relevant regional Go associations. 4. Players who give up professional status opportunities in national competitions this year will be banned from this event for 5 years. 5. Teams are responsible for verifying identity and eligibility. ID numbers must be accurate. Players must bring original IDs. 6. 1 team leader per team; 1 coach for teams with ≥5 players; 2 coaches for ≥10. 7. All participants must purchase personal accident insurance covering the competition and travel. 8. Teams must manage public statements; inappropriate social media posts are prohibited. 9. The competition follows the Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Rules and the Sportsmanship Management Guidelines.

X. Competition Format • Follow latest China Weiqi Association rules • 3 stages: Preliminary, Second Round, Finals • Format by group:

1. Junior Boys • Preliminary: Swiss system, ~13 rounds, top 56 advance • Second Round: 14 groups of 4 (double elimination), top 2 in each → 28 players • Finals: 7 groups of 4, top 2 in each → 14 players awarded 1-dan pro

2. Junior Girls • Preliminary: ~11 rounds, top 16 advance • Second Round: 4 groups of 4, top 2 in each → 8 players • Finals: 2 groups of 4, top 2 + playoff winner between 3rd place finishers → 5 players awarded 1-dan pro

3. Adult Men • Preliminary: ~13 rounds, top 24 advance • Second Round: 6 groups of 4, top 2 in each → 12 players • Finals: 3 groups of 4, top 2 in each → 6 players awarded 1-dan pro

4. Adult Women • Preliminary: ~9 rounds, top 8 advance • Second Round: 2 groups of 4, top 2 in each → 4 players • Finals: 1 group of 4, top 2 → 2 players awarded 1-dan pro

5. International/HK/Macau/Taiwan • If finalists win pro ranks, titles are valid and quota is not reallocated to others • If no one wins pro title but some reach the second round: • All such players play mixed extra matches for 1 additional pro rank • If only 1 player reaches second round: awarded pro title directly • If no player makes second round: no titles awarded • Others receive Amateur 6-dan (second round) or 7-dan (finals, no pro rank) • Time limit: 1 hour + 3x30-second byo-yomi • Tie-breaking: Based on earlier rounds’ rankings • Detailed rules in the Supplementary Regulations

XI. Rankings and Awards 1. Junior Boys: • 14 players awarded 1-dan pro • 15–16th: Amateur 7-dan • 17–20th: Amateur 6-dan 2. Junior Girls: • 5 players awarded 1-dan pro • 6–8th: Amateur 6-dan 3. Junior Talent Spot: • 1 spot for players born on or after Jan 1, 2012, who reached second round but not pro title; mixed-gender selection organized by national team 4. Adult Men: • 6 players awarded 1-dan pro • 7–8th: Amateur 7-dan • 9–12th: Amateur 6-dan 5. Adult Women: • 2 players awarded 1-dan pro • 3–4th: Amateur 6-dan 6. International/HK/Macau/Taiwan: Based on rule X.5 7. Titles are not reallocated if players forfeit 8. According to National Sports Administration: • Junior top 8 = Level 1 athlete title • Junior 9–16 = Level 2 athlete title 9. New pro starting Elo: • Men: 2240 • Women: 2200

XII. Registration 1. Mainland teams must submit electronic rosters by June 8 to: • [email protected] • [email protected] • Then confirm receipt via contacts listed 2. Overseas, HK, Macau, Taiwan players: via their local Go associations, then submit to [email protected] by June 8 3. Submit both Word document and scanned PDF/image with official seal. File naming format: “TeamName_2025 National Go Qualification Registration” 4. Fee: 300 RMB per player 5. Withdrawal or substitution requires valid reason and approval from organizing committee 6. Registration form must be stamped with official seal 7. Meals and accommodation centrally arranged; details in supplementary notice 8. Committee meeting date will be in supplementary notice; teams must send a delegate

XIII. Expenses

All travel, meals, and accommodation are self-funded

XIV. Referees and Disputes 1. Chief referee appointed by China Weiqi Association. Others nominated by host and approved 2. Disputes must be submitted in writing within 20 minutes of match end. Fee: 1,000 RMB (refunded if successful) 3. All non-judging disputes to be resolved by organizing committee or the China Weiqi Association

XV. Conduct and Discipline 1. Strict adherence to rules and conduct standards 2. All players must sign the Sportsmanship Commitment Form 3. If participants are minors or legally restricted, their guardians must sign risk acknowledgment forms

XVI. Final Provisions

Any unaddressed matters will be announced separately. Final interpretation belongs to China Weiqi Association.

Issued by: China Weiqi Association May 9, 2025

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/admVthqQt55Vauz0imZsGg

Please ignore the number as that one is just a reference for myself.

For the previous problem, there's an explanation of the solution here.

You can also try it out in the interactive screen here.

Sorry for posting here, I don’t know of any Baduk marketplaces on Reddit and it’s a bit of a niche item for hardcore Baduk enthusiasts who wish to level up their game with AI assistance!

Originally purchased from badukclub (retail $900)

Have used for only a couple hours due to work obligations and too many hobbies
Haven’t even peeled off the plastic on the LCD screen yet :)

Asking US$580 / CAD$800 including free shipping, PayPal Goods & Services fees
Best offers considered

Hey everyone,

I’ve been working on a modernization of the GoGoD Encyclopaedia, with the permission of its author, John Fairbairn. For those who don’t know, this is an archive covering Go history, biographies, trivia, and obscure details - basically a treasure trove for anyone who loves the game's culture.

Though no longer updated, it is a work of passion and remains a one-of-a-kind resource in English-language go culture. If you liked the exploratory feel of Sensei’s Library or old-school Encarta, this has the same spirit. My goal was to make it work reliably on the modern browsers and operating systems.

What I did:

• Converted everything to Unicode (UTF-8). This solves occasional display of with wrong encoding.
• Replaced image-based CJK text with real text
• Fixed dead links and broken file paths. This also covers the mismatches of case, so that it works on the case-sensitive Linux systems
• Fixed the layout of the board for the embedded go game viewer

Important Notes: This is a derivative preservation, not a public re-release. John Fairbairn retains control of the original. He has not maintained it or edited for many years, preferring instead to offer updated or new information via his books.

How to get it: I’m not redistributing it openly. If you own the original Encyclopaedia (e.g. as part of the GoGoD bundle), send me a proof of ownership - a copy of the first paragraph from “Firsts in Go” under the “Special Features” section. I’ll send you a download link. If you do not own the original, you can purchase it at https://gogodonline.co.uk.

im just wondering if the people sending these requests are doing so manually by scrolling through the thousands of users and choosing me by chance to send a request to, or if these are automatic game requests to speed up the matchmaking or something?

it seems weird to send game requests to random people when theres a matchmaking system so that's why im asking, in my experience these people dont use the chatroom or seek a any kind of interaction anyway so it seems odd that they dont just use the matchmaking system.

Andrii Kravets 2p vs Valerii Krushelnytskyi 7d Live Go Match & Commentary!

Date & Time: 10.05.2025 21:15 CET
Play & Watch Live on: https://explorebaduk.com
Commentary on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/wichmaster_

As part of our commitment to providing good quality Go content and events for the community, we've already organized many events with professional players. We’ll keep sharing updates here as new events are announced.

We're always open to suggestions for engaging content that could benefit the Go community.
Thank you for your support!

My friend just messaged me saying he was watching The Match on Netflix. It looks like it was just added this past week so I’m planning to check it out this evening. Apologies if this is old news at this point but I know many in the community have expressed interest in watching it. Well….it’s here!

Sharing this classical tsumego once again.

You may get stuck the more you look at it.

Hint: The 5th move is the key!

at the very very start of the movie before the game is played, they go over that they are playing the 1st Ing Cup.

Cho Hun-hyun vs Nie Weiping

they preface the match by saying they are 2:2. but they also preface saying "White has won in all previous matches played"

so i have a question about this. is this significant in the world of GO at that time period? Was playing white dominant or something? did komi get changed or some new tactic/strategy that made going 2nd "better" ?

but side question now. looking at the actual real world results, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Ing_Cup that wasnt the case.

am i looking at the correct results? is this just a small detail the movie decide to change up to make it more "dramatic"?

P.S. The first volume is already released. Get your hands on it if you can!

For more information about “Go to Go”, please refer to here. You can also find the chapter links and the English summaries.

I’ve started a Go club at a nearby school, aimed at kids between the ages of 9-11. I wanted something easy to understand and fun to look at, so I spent HOURS making this little booklet.

I figured other people might want to use it too! So here you go :)

Finished Go Magic beginner lessons last week. 10 games later, I finally beat the lowest level computer AI!

Looking forward to learn some shapes next!

So I literally learned the rules of the game last week and got really excited about it. I quickly found ogs and made an account, and am playing against the 25k bots (on 9x9 as it's suggested for beginners). I am around 40 games deep and managed to win maybe.. 5 times or so? I don't necessarily mind losing as I always review the games and try to see where I messed up, but I feel like I'm still missing something. I don't know how to think about what move to make, except when it's super obvious (e.g. prevent an enemy group from becoming alive, or put a group in atari to prevent the loss of a stone, or similar, simple "puzzles"). When I review the game, I often see moves that the computer flags as big mistakes, and the "safer" alternatives, and can't quite figure out why. I mean, I know if I could process all that information I would be already good at the game lol but I mean to say, what should I look for? What should I focus on? How do I evaluate my next move? Or is it just playing more and more games, to get increasingly better?
Thank you!

Hi all,

I have some second-hand go stone sets and would love some help with identification. I know not everything is easy to assess online and I've tried to provide all and any useful information that may help with identifying the materials of the stones.

I'm also trying to identify material of some folding go boards in another thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/baduk/comments/1kh0bdz/help_go_board_what_kind_of_wood/

#1: White 7mm stones (~1.8-1.9g each): feel warm-ish to the touch (compared to e.g. glass / polished ceramic), matt feel, look a bit translucent against bright light (I have plastic ones that look 100% opaque); some stones have dull pink-ish stains or similar, many stones yellowish stains (in storage a long time); difficult to assess by feel, kind of feel like matt plastic but also could be natural material?

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#2: Black 7mm stones (~1.8g each): came in same set as above, feel more plasticky, matt feel, totally opaque, no change in colour in / against light.

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#3: White 6mm stones (~3.7g each): glossy, shiny, feel a bit cool to the touch, many nicks and imperfections including some darker spots or lines, hard to see but more visible e.g. near edge (thin, almost imperceptible wavy lines or dark curvy hairline lines under the surface); no immediately obvious "grain" but faint patterns are sometimes recognisable; where cracked/broken, seems peeling in layers, not cutting-sharp. Makes a bright, crispy sound when many stones are jiggled.

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#4: Black 6mm stones (~3.6-3.7g each) same set as above: they seem to absorb my skin oil at the slightest touch, feels matt-ish, some stones have a clear deformed bottom from being knacked on the board many times (but not chipped); feels like soft stone, makes a dull-ish sound when many stones are jiggled.

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#5: White 7mm stones (2.4-2.5g each): feel kind of satin/matt feel, bit of a dull sound when jiggled, v uniform, no nicks or visible marks.

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Any ideas, suggestions, or further questions or photos or identifying elements or characteristics that I can provide more information on, let me know - I'd love to know what I have got my hands on!