QR Codes
Seen a QR code? Then you’ve seen Go!
Masahiro Hara invented the QR Code while playing Go during his lunch break. He realized that the design of the game board would be perfect for storing crazy amounts of information.
“Atari”
Atari (アタリ) is a Go term which refers to stones on the board that are in danger of being captured. Its literal translation from Japanese is “to hit a target".” It also inspired the brand name of the games giant, Atari!
An Essential Art
In ancient China, Go was considered one of four “essential arts",” along with music, painting, and calligraphy.
The game continued to flourish throughout the Edo Period of Japan. Important games of that time were often played over several days, weeks, or even months!
Go is Everywhere
After thousands of years, Go is still among the most popular games in the world. There are even television networks entirely dedicated to broadcasting professional games and lectures.
Not Just “Go”
Go is the Japanese name for the game, and the one most commonly used outside of Asia. The game is also known as Baduk in Korean, and Weiqi in Chinese.