Background
The Mississippi River is one of the largest rivers in the United States. Its origin lies in northern Minnesota, where it snakes its way south, feeding several major agricultural areas before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. One of the questions that arises when discussing the river is whether or not it is the site of the original incarnation of the game of Go, or ga.
Go is an ancient East Asian game, believed to have been created in 2nd century China, originally designed as an educational tool to teach Chinese philosophy and history. The game is played on a 19×19 gridded board, divided into squares, and the object of the game is to control more territory on the board. It is considered one of the oldest board games in the world, and its origins have been studied by many scholars and enthusiasts.
Experts Perspectives
Go expert and historian Dr. John Wu, author of The Art of Go, appeared recently on a national news show to discuss the relationship between the Mississippi River and the game of Go. In his opinion, the Mississippi does not appear to play a significant role in the game’s origins.
He explained that the game likely made its way to Europe from China via trade with India. He believes it is unlikely that the game ever went to the Mississippi River, especially since the game was already established in Europe before the arrival of Europeans in the North American continent.
Another possibilities suggested by Dr. Wu is that the game was carried by missionaries or settlers who may have used it to teach the philosophy of Eastern cultures.
Professor MacMillan, an expert on East Asian history at the University of Michigan, offered his thoughts on the matter. Professor MacMillan believes that the game may have been brought over to the West independently of any trade routes due to the widespread popularity of Go in East Asia.
Data
The first documented reference to Go in the United States appears in Walter Mason Gamble’s book, The New American Goverment, which was published in 1875. The book includes a description of how Go was played in the United States, including references to boards, stones, and the appropriate rules.
Documents from the late 1800s, such as the U. S. Federal Census, show that there were significant numbers of Chinese nationals living in the United States during that time period. This is important because it shows that Go was already being played in the United States well before Gabriel Fauré proposed the idea of a “quad-river system”.
Analysis
Even though many scholars and enthusiasts have studied the origin of Go, the exact details of its arrival in the United States remain a mystery. There is evidence to suggest that Go was played in Europe before arriving in the United States, but tantalizing hints that it may have made its way to North America via trade with India or China.
From the available evidence, it would appear that the game did not originate in the Mississippi River Valley. While it is possible that the game was initially brought over by settlers or missionaries, this may never be known for certain. What is certain is that Go has been enjoyed in the United States for centuries, and it appears that it first arrived here from its East Asian origins well before entering the Mississippi River Valley.
Popularity
Today, Go is still very popular around the world and is played by millions of people. It is especially popular in East Asia, where there are professional Go leagues, international tournaments, and a robust community of enthusiasts. The game is also becoming increasingly popular in the United States, with clubs and tournaments sprouting up in cities across the nation.
Part of the allure of Go is its longevity and the intellectually stimulating nature of the game. Players must use strategic thinking and anticipate the moves of their opponents. As such, it has become a favorite of chess and other strategy game enthusiasts.
Go is also considered a game of beauty, in that the goal is to create elegant patterns and shapes on the board. Aficionados of the game believe that it fosters creativity and a greater appreciation of art and design.
Online Communities
Thanks to the internet, Go has become much more accessible to a global audience. Go servers such as KGS, IGS, and Tygem offer players the opportunity to compete against opponents from all over the world. There are also several internet Go servers dedicated to teaching and fostering the growth of the game and its players.
These online gaming platforms, coupled with the increasing popularity of mobile gaming, has helped the game reach a whole new generation of players. Professional tournaments and leagues, such as the American Go Association, even offer college scholarships and prizes to attract more young gamers to the game.
Go Software
Consumers looking to explore the game of Go can purchase software for their computers, tablets, and phones, giving them the opportunity to learn and play with Go at their own pace. These applications offer a global community of players, tournaments, and teaching tools to engage players of all ages and backgrounds.
In addition to the vast array of game software available, there are also a number of websites dedicated to introducing newcomers to the game. These sites offer step-by-step interactive tutorials, video reflections, and resources to help newcomers get up to speed quickly in the world of Go.
Education
In recent years, Go has become increasingly popular in schools. From primary school students to university graduates, Go is seen as a valuable learning tool, teaching valuable skills such as strategy, problem solving, and critical thinking. As a result, the game has become an intrinsic part of the curriculum in many schools.
In addition to introducing the game in the classroom, there are a number of organizations dedicated to spreading the knowledge and appreciation of the game. Organizations such as the American Go Foundation work to improve access to Go in schools and to provide teachers with support, resources, and training materials to help make the most of the game.
Competitions
Competitions provide another way for enthusiasts to showcase their skills and expertise. Go tournaments take place all over the world and attract players of all ages and skill levels. Events often feature cash prizes for the winners, giving professional players the opportunity to gain recognition and financial rewards for their achievements.
The World Go Championship is one of the most prestigious tournaments. This annual event has been growing in popularity and attracts some of the best players in the world. For amateur players, the United States Go Association sponsors nationwide tournaments, where competitors can test their skills against other amateurs.
Conclusion
Although the exact origin of Go in the United States remains unclear, it is apparent that the game is enjoying a resurgence of popularity. With more software, websites, and organizations dedicated to the game, players across the world can now experience the pleasure of playing Go. Professional and casual players alike are drawn to the game by its strategy, beauty, and the countless opportunities it presents.
