A few simple rules ... limitless possibilities

There are many tournaments and other events held around the UK. Often these are run by clubs and are coordinated by the BGA. The BGA itself runs the national British Go Championship, Pair Go Championship, Junior events such as the UK Go Challenge and other tournaments. In addition there are team events, teaching events and activities such as the Shodan Challenge, lectures and pro visits, and promotional events such as National Go Week. Sometimes the UK hosts top events such as the European Go Championship or a game of the Kisei title match.

The rules of Go used in BGA tournaments and championships can be seen here.

Tournaments

There are more than 30 open tournaments each year in the UK. They have different formats, styles and locations. Date and tournament information is published on the Tournament Calendar.

The BGA lists full results of all tournaments, plus news reports on each one. The list of event winners is the Hall of Fame and there is a list of Current Title Holders. There are also pictures of trophies.

The top players in each event compete for points in the Stacey Grand Prix.

If you're thinking of entering your very first face-to-face tournament then we have some advice for you.

Team Events

As well as the individual events there are some team events held. Often an individual tournament will award a prize for the team or club with the best results. There is a list of team and Grand Prix winners.

The BGA League Tournament is being held online from October 2009.

The BGA also fields a team in the B-League of Pandanet Go European Team Championship.

British Go Championship

The BGA organises an annual multi-stage British Championship. This ends with a best of three title match between the top two players. It is usually broadcast live online, often with pro commentary.

The BGA awards trophies for this and several other Championships including the British Open, British Lightning, British Small Board, British Pair Go, British Pair Go Handicap, British Open Team, Online League and Stacey Grand Prix.

Pair Go

Pair Go is the mixed doubles of the Go world. An annual championship is held every year; it is a very unique and social event held within the spirit of Pair Go.

UK Go Challenge

There is an active Junior Go program of events including the annual British Youth Go Championship and the UK GO Challenge for schools.

Pro Visits

From time to time we get professional player visits the UK. They perform teaching at a tournament or at a variety of clubs. In addition there is an online teaching presence by various pros. Sometimes professionals visit as part of a top pro title game.

International Representation

The BGA is asked to nominate official representatives for various international tournaments, such as the World Amateur Go Championship and the International Amateur Pair Go Championship, and also for some top European events. In some cases a points system is operated for deciding who receives the nominations.

World Mind Sports Games

The 1st World Mind Sports Games were held in Beijing, China from 3rd to 18th October 2008. The event was instigated by the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) and received great support from the Chinese government and sports bodies. The BGA sent a team of 18 players to take part.

Top Events

From time to time the BGA is involved in hosting a top event such as the 1992 European Go Congress, the 2005 European Pair Go Championship or the 2002 Kisei Title Match game.