My strength is 14-kyu. I learnt the rules a long time ago and over the last 30 years I’ve mainly enjoyed go by watching TV programs and reading books. Recently, I joined PandaNet and am belatedly enjoying actual play. However, my knowledge is mainly book knowledge, so, because of my lack of real strength, I often find myself getting roughed up by strong fighters. If I play a joseki, the opponent plays a variation and I fall to pieces. My question is: what is an effective way to study to acquire the fighting strength that would enable me to match players who fight hard and go all out to capture stones? Is it better just to attack aggressively without worrying about the ‘bad style’ and ‘crude moves’ that are scolded in the textbooks? Or should I perhaps put in some time studying trick moves? Or should I just play patiently and try to prevail through sheer perseverance? Please give an answer to the naïve inquiry of a kyu player. Consultation Two: Mr. Miyamoto Thank you for your question, Mr. Miyamoto. The best way to enjoy go is, after all, through playing actual games. I really approve of your joining PandaNet. The only thing is that your opponents are all used to actual competition. It can’t be helped if at present they cut you up. I think the best way for you to study is to do life-and-death and tesuji problems. How about going over the same problem a number of times till you’ve absorbed the answer? I don’t recommend you to study trick moves. The thing about studying go is you don’t always see the effect immediately, so it will be necessary to be patient for a while, but if you combine actual play with studying problems, you are bound to become stronger. The day will come when you are the one cutting your opponents up. Good luck?