Welcome to AugenGo! This is my first blog post, and I wanted to share why I’m so passionate about teaching Go that I decided to start this whole venture.
My Go Journey Started During Circuit Breaker
Like many Singaporeans, I found myself with unexpected free time during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020. I was looking for something challenging – something that would push me intellectually and give me a sense of accomplishment during those uncertain times.
That’s when I discovered Go.
I’d heard of the game before, knew it was ancient and strategic, but I had no idea what I was getting into. My first attempt at learning? Completely overwhelming. The rules seemed simple enough, but when I sat down to play my first game online, I was utterly lost.
Sound familiar?
The Learning Curve That Nearly Defeated Me
Those first few months were humbling. I’d lose game after game, often not even understanding why I lost. The concepts felt abstract, the strategy seemed impossibly deep, and I couldn’t see any clear path to improvement.
I almost gave up twice.
But something about Go kept drawing me back. Maybe it was the elegance of black and white stones on a wooden board. Maybe it was the way each game told a unique story. Or maybe I’m just stubborn and don’t like being defeated by a board game.
The Breakthrough Moment
My turning point came when I finally found quality instruction. Not just someone who could play well, but someone who could explain well. Someone who remembered what it felt like to be a beginner.
Suddenly, concepts that seemed mysterious began making sense. I started seeing patterns instead of random stone placements. Most importantly, I began enjoying the process of learning instead of just focusing on winning.
Why Singapore Needs More Go Players
Here’s what I discovered: Go isn’t just a game. It’s a mental workout that develops patience, strategic thinking, and the ability to see multiple moves ahead. In our fast-paced Singapore society, these skills are incredibly valuable.
Yet Go remains relatively unknown here compared to chess or other strategy games. That seems like a missed opportunity.
Enter AugenGo: Teaching Go the Right Way
After reaching 1-dan level, I realized I wanted to help other adults experience that same breakthrough I had. But I wanted to do it right – with patience, clear explanations, and remembering what it actually feels like to be overwhelmed by this beautiful, complex game.
That’s why I created AugenGo. The name combines “Augen” (German for “eyes” – how you see and understand positions in Go) with “Go” itself. It represents developing the insight to truly understand the game.
What You Can Expect from This Blog
Moving forward, I’ll be sharing:
- Beginner-friendly explanations of Go concepts
- Common mistakes I see in student games (and how to fix them)
- Strategic insights that took me years to understand
- Game analysis from both beginner and intermediate levels
- Tips for adult learners who are picking up Go later in life
Why You Should Consider Learning Go
If you’re reading this, you’re probably curious about Go. Here’s why I think you should take the plunge:
For the Challenge: Go is genuinely difficult. In our world of instant gratification, there’s something satisfying about mastering something that requires real effort.
For Mental Benefits: Go develops pattern recognition, strategic planning, and emotional control. These skills transfer to work and life.
For the Community: The Go community is incredibly welcoming and supportive. Some of my best friendships have formed over a Go board.
For Personal Growth: Learning Go teaches you about patience, accepting losses, and continuous improvement. These are life skills disguised as game skills.
Ready to Start?
If this resonates with you, I’d love to help you begin your Go journey. Whether you’re completely new to the game or you’ve tried learning before and got stuck, there’s a path forward that works for you.
Feel free to reach out at augengo.official@gmail.com, or connect with me on Instagram or YouTube.
Your Go journey starts with a single stone placement. Let’s make that first move together.
AugenGo Academy 