Go Buying Guide: Choosing a Go Board / Go Set
With so many options to choose from buying a Go set can be overwhelming. But fear not we are here to help! We have written this handy buying guide to help you make an informed decision. Whether you are a beginner looking for a starter set, an intermediate player looking to upgrade or a seasoned player looking for a high quality board this guide will give you the information you need to select the right Go set.
Before you buy a Go set you need to consider two things: your budget and who the set is for. Knowing these will help you narrow down your options and make the right choice.
Beginner Go Sets
If you are new to the Game of GO, we recommended starting learning on smaller boards. You can begin with a 9x9 board, then move to a 13x13 before progressing to the full-size 19x19 board. This gradual increase helps to ease the learning curve and ensures you get a better understanding of the game.
We have a good range of entry-level Go Sets. The Go Masters range is designed specifically for beginners that are eager to learn the game of Go. These sets feature good quality components at an affordable price. Each set comes with a set of stones and a dual-sided board (either plastic, wooden or leatherette) with two different game sizes, allowing you to start with a smaller, simpler board and gradually progress to the larger one.If you are looking for a more authentic-looking Go Set that can be proudly displayed at your home, you can consider the 13 x 13 Go Table Set. This beautifully finished wooden Go table with a Beech veneer exterior features a 13 x 13 playing grid, 8mm glass Go stones, and light or dark wooden bowls. It is perfect for beginners, children or quick games (a full Go game can take a while so a smaller set allows players to play a quick game).
Intermediate Go Sets
Superior Go Boards / Go Sets
For serious Go enthusiasts seeking a luxurious and high-quality set, we recommend the following bundle:
This set features the Shin Kaya (Alaska Spruce) 6cm Goban. This solid and chunky board, is approximately 6cm thick. Manufactured in Korea, this crafted to the highest standard, resulting in a board that is built to last and a pleasure to use. Included in this set are authentic clamshell and slate stones, offering the ultimate playing experience. Another excellent and slightly more affordable option is the Kurokigoishiten New Kaya Table Go Board. Made in Japan, this 2.9cm thick Shin Kaya table board is made up of 3-4 pieces of wood. It is a high quality board at an accessible price.
Choosing the right set of Go stones is crucial as they significantly impact the playing experience. For those seeking the full, authentic Go experience, only the Clamshell & Slate Go Stones will do. Their weight, colour, pleasant feel, and natural shell grain are highly aesthetically pleasing and truly enhance the playing experience.
A more affordable alternative to these are the Yunzi Go Stones. These authentic stones, produced in the Chinese province of Yunnan, are made from compressed stone, though their exact composition is a closely guarded secret. Yunzi stones are generally considered superior to glass stones and more affordable than clamshell and slate stones.
For beginners, Plastic Go Stones and glass stones are practical choices due to their lower cost. Glass Go Stones are far superior to plastic and offer an affordable alternative to Yunzi or Clamshell and Slate stones. They provide a satisfactory feel and ‘click’ nicely when placed on the board, though they may have minor imperfections, varying thickness, and are more easily chipped compared to Clamshell and Slate stones.
