The game of go is probably the oldest game in the world, and is still played today in its original form. Go originated somewhere between 2,500 and 4,000 years ago, and there is written evidence of go as early as the 4th century BCE. According to research there are around 18 million go players worldwide, and around 2.5 million tournament players. Go tournaments are widely televised, and winners can earn up to $500,000 per tournament. While the Deep Blue computer beat chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov in 1997, it was long thought that a computer would never be able to beat a top go professional, not least because there are more legal positions on a go board than there are atoms in the universe. However, in 2016, the AlphaGo computer beat a top go professional in a series of five matches that were watched by around 60 million people. Go is a fascinating and very enjoyable game, and the basic rules of go are surprisingly simple to learn. In this ‘So, here’s the thing …’ we will learn how to play go, and will look at the best places to play go online.

Link to event to be sent to attendees nearer the time.

This event is part of a series called 'So, here's the thing...' which gives people an opportunity to talk to an audience about a subject they are passionate about. Hosted by The University of Northampton, students, staff and members of the public are all welcome.

Please contact Jenny.Townend@northampton.ac.uk if you have any queries about this event or would like to be a future speaker.