Quick-Play Travel "GO" Set

The ancient game of Go pre-dates chess and draughts, has simpler rules, yet its subtleties defy attempts to computerise it.

Normally played on the intersections of an 18x18 grid (thus giving a playing area of 19x19 points), quicker games can be played on smaller boards.

This Instructable details the manufacture of a 7x7 travel board with unique reversible pieces and the capability of preserving a part-played game.

_{(I have to own up to this being a collaboration with Kiteman. Blame him for any weird language.)}

Step 1 Materials

You will need:

• A large, empty matchbox (known as "cook's matches" or "kitchen matches" in the UK)
• Some dead matches, burned as little as possible (yes, I lit and extinguished these matches deliberately)
• Scrap card, preferably corrugated.
• Decorative paper.
• Sharp things, including a Dremel with a 2mm drill-bit, glue (we used PVA woodglue) and a permanent marker.

Comments

[lunius]

another marvelous instructable, kiteman! Even though you weren't the only one working on it, it still has that "kiteman pizazz" that only you can add in. Awesome job!

[LadyCrymsyn]

Great looking ible! I've been looking for a design for a travel Go board - can't wait to try this out. I think I'll try what you suggested and dip the matchsticks in ink, rather than trying to colour by hand, though.

[Jestersage]

I would personally prefer if you make it 9x9 at least. Other than that, it's a good one.

[Kiteman]

9x9 didn't fit in the matchbox with enough space to handle the matches comfortably. You can still play to first capture on a 7x7.

[Rock Soldier]

where would the white peice go to win? I have trouble understanding this.

[Kiteman]

Starting at the right-mos corner, count three spaces along the back row. A white piece there fills all the liberties of the right-most black piece, making first-capture.

[Rock Soldier]

I'm sorry, I still don't understand.

[jthzero]

Thanks for the idea, I plan to make a wooden versions for my Go club.

[PKM]

Simple but effective- I like it!

Here's an idea- you could make paper inserts to go over the top of the board to give boards for playing different games. I'm specifically thinking of a chequerboard for draughts or a grid for Nine men's morris (or mill as kostya calls it).

I've been meaning to pick Go up again and have a long train journey tomorrow- maybe I should make one...

[gmjhowe]

Someone made it onto Makezine

[Roger-X]

Cool - I don't think Kitedad has been.

[kelseymh]

Very, very well done! Clearly you are learning from a Master. Good language, lots of very clear photos and drawings with each step (and annotated!), sufficient for anyone to reproduce or modify. This is the sort of I'ble that deserves to be referenced in a "how to make an Instructable" guide.

[NachoMahma]

. Great job.

[kostya]

Nice instructable! I used to play English board game of mill with my son. I wonder if it is still played in England. We used halves of matches as checkers. I think there's a problem with the cardboard. After a few games you'll find that the holes are too loose to hold "stones'. I would recommend to add a sort of stopper in the middle of each match.

[jessyratfink]

I've no idea how to play the game, but I like the way it looks! Well done! :D

[Lithium Rain]

I second that motion! Faved and 5 stars!

[DJ Radio]

sweet man, 5*

[caitlinsdad]

You should have made the Altoids tin version and used self-striking matches with the heads intact for a survival kit.

Haha, weird language, you're a rebel.

[Spiff73]

Nice. Then it could be decorated with a Mario mushroom made from LEDs.

[mg0930mg]

Nice, will vote when it is ready. Subscribed and favorited.