Do you sometimes lose concentration while playing? If so, at what times do you lose concentration? Also, is there anything you do to try to prevent this from happening? Consultation Two : Mr. Yokokura Hello, Mr. Yokokura. Thank your for your question. I often lose concentration while playing. I suddenly find that I am thinking of something else. I often have to scold myself for this . . . Usually it happens at the end of the middle game, when one’s fatigue reaches a peak. I hear that if you try to avoid losing concentration, you will be able to increase your powers of concentration, so I pay attention to this while I’m playing. When I’m studying, I keep reminding myself to concentrate, and I go all out to concentrate for the period I’ve decided on, for example, for two hours. I’m quite exhausted when I’ve finished. A strange thing is that when one is studying regularly, one doesn’t lose concentration during games. Perhaps it becomes easier to enter the game mode. The moment the game ends, one becomes aware of one’s surroundings again, and all the strength in one’s body drains away. When I have problems concentrating during a game, I leave my seat, and, looking at myself in the mirror of the restroom, tell myself: ‘Do your best! Try harder!’ This is perhaps a kind of self-hypnosis. I’m afraid that my answer is a little vague, but I hope that it is of some use. I hope that you continue to enjoy your go so much that you become oblivious of the outside world.