The Intersection

Many school pupils have little opportunity to play other people from outside their own school.

Of course, if you have internet access, you can use a Go Server. But many of the users of Go servers are either strong players, or people who have no idea of the rules. Pupils may prefer to use a Go Server where you can meet and play against pupils from other schools.

What is needed is an agreed Go Server, and an agreed time and date. Then pupils can go there and meet each other.

The following has been suspended until further notice. Please contact the Youth Committee if you're interested in resurrecting this scheme.

Since early 2005, we have chosen:

How to connect to the KGS Go Server

The easy way is to use the java connection directly available on the KGS web site. Pupils can just follow the "Play Go Now!" link.

However we recommend instead for pupils to download and install the Go Client program, CGoban3. This can be downloaded from KGS Download page; it uses Java Web Start (which is also available from there). This is better than the direct java connection, because the client program allows a teacher and pupil to look at a completed game on line, discussing it and trying out other moves, and you can use it to edit locally held game records that are in SGF format.

Once you have installed the client program, it is easy to connect, you just run the client program and click its "Play on KGS" button.

You will find that there are several "rooms" on KGS, for English language, French language, Japanese language etc. We used to meet in a room called Intersection, but now we use the UK Youth Room.

Online Events for Schools

Some schools have restricted Internet access and cannot use KGS. We have set up a special Schools Internet Goserver which they can use. It is possible to join the Schools Go League and play matches on the Goserver. Also there are some individual competitions held on the PlayOK games server.