Please give me some hints about how to study go. I’m about 1-kyu, and every day I play through the game records published in the newspapers. However, I don’t get any stronger. Does playing through games have no effect on one’s strength? I hope you can solve my problem. Consultation Two : Mr. Takano Hello, Mr. Takano. I thinking that playing through newspaper games every day is a great idea. I wish I could imitate you. Since you are worried about how to improve, let me recommend some study methods to you. First, the method I recommend most is solving life-and-death problems. Simple problems that you can solve at a glance or after thinking for 20 or 30 seconds are best. By repeatedly studying these problems, you will automatically master good shape and good style. Also, your reading strength will improve – in fact, life-and-death study has everything going for it. Next, I recommend playing through the games of a professional you like. By repeatedly playing through these games, you naturally absorb the way of thinking of the professional and good style and good shape. I will now answer your question about playing through newspaper games. The games are ones played by top professionals, so they can be enjoyed in the same way one enjoys looking at beautiful paintings. The only thing is that, depending on the player, there are various ways of thinking, and the volume of analysis differs, so some aspects of the games may be difficult to understand. These games are good for appreciating go, but they may be too high-level to have an immediate effect in raising your strength. By playing through the games of a professional you like repeatedly, you gradually get to understand his or her way of thinking and the elements of style and shape. My personal feeling is that it would be more effective to play through the games of just players you like rather than a wide range of games. Finally, I recommend playing with someone who is just a little stronger than you. In your case, a 1- or 2-dan would be ideal. It’s easier to understand the go of someone who’s just a little stronger than yourself, so it’s easier to learn. The above three points are most important. If on top of that you maintain your passion for go, you are sure to improve. I wish you the best of luck.