News / Articles

Shigeo Hidaka Wins Go Congress Problem Contest

"May is over, and with it comes the end of our contest!" reports 2014 US Go Congress Director Matthew Hershberger. Throughout May, anyone who sent in the correct solution to the go problem featured in this year's Congress logo was entered for a chance to win $50 off their Congress registration. More than 300 are already registered for the Congress, which runs August 9-17 in New York City.  The problem proved difficult for many, while others were already familiar with it from books or lessons. It's a famous Chinese problem titled 明珠出海, which translates to "Pearl Emerging From the Sea". The goal is simply for white to escape the net of black stones. Some two dozen players submitted their solutions. Of those, all but one answered correctly. The contest winner is Shigeo Hidaka 2d. "Congratulations, Shigeo, and thank you to everyone who submitted their solution!" says Hershberger. One possible solution is shown here. There are other slight variations that are also acceptable.