ButtUgly: Main_blogentry_060209

Finland's largest go tournament ever to take place tomorrow

The Takapotku-tournament, which has established itself as one of the major go tournaments in Finland in just a few measly years, is again starting tomorrow (7.2.) morning in the Hima&Sali-restaurant of the old Cable Factory in Ruoholahti, Helsinki. Currently, there are 110 registered participants, which makes this the biggest such event ever in the history of Finnish go (and a fairly large event considering any single game played in Finland). There are extremely strong players joining from Russia, UK and Sweden as well as the Finnish all-stars of go, feared throughout the continent due to their skills.

If you're interested in the game, this is a great opportunity to come and see the thrill of a top-notch competition personally. It doesn't get much better than this - until next year, when Tampere as the first city in Finland hosts the European Go Congress for 700+ players all over Europe and the world. Any go player will be happy to teach you the rules - just make sure you don't bother the people still playing!

(Disclaimer: I organized the first Takapotku tournament, back in 2003. It was already back then the largest tournament ever held in Finland, and it just keeps growing, thanks to the tender care of the new organizers.)