I am 13-kyu. Sometimes I fall into a slump. Please tell me what I should do at such times. Consultation One : From Mr. Iijima Slumps are a real hassle. The answer is simple! They are proof that you are becoming stronger. Before you become stronger, nearly everyone falls into a slump. You lose games even though recently you think you’ve improved . . . Mentally, it’s easy to let this get you down, but it’s precisely at such times that you need to maintain your ordinary state of mind. If you try to keep devoting yourself to go as previously (while enjoying yourself), one day you’ll suddenly make the breakthrough and become stronger. A slump is a springboard for getting stronger. Keep enjoying go as usual, without worrying.