I haven’t posted since US Go Congress 2018, but not because I’ve stopped playing. Life has simply gotten busy, and I’ve relaxed my Go studies to free up more time for my other interests. I think it’s been for the best and probably helped my Go advance consistently, if not quickly.

These days I don’t have much of a study regimen - I do tsumego only when I really feel like it, and I hardly read my theory books anymore. Instead I’ve been watching In-seong’s Highlights videos, and I’ve found these 20 minute distillations to be an efficient way to pick up new ideas as well as reinforce good habits.

I’m still taking too long in the opening stage, but I’m able to make it to move 100 before hitting byo-yomi. I’m holding my own against AGA 3 and 4 kyus, and tonight I finally broke 4 kyu under In-seong’s rating system. It’s taken me 2 and a half years to advance two stones in AYD, and honestly I’m perfectly ok with that. If I can continue to average around a stone a year I’ll be happy.