The basics
- The interactive way to go is a good site for learning the rules and the basics of go.
- Everyone needs a good program for viewing go files (.sgf files). One convenient .sgf editor used by many players is CGoban3. Downloads and instructions are available here
- Playing go online is a great way to meet players all over the world. Recommended servers for playing online are: KGS, IGS, and Cyberoro
- igowin is a great program for beginners to practice with
Getting stronger
Once you've learned the rules and played a few games you might start yearning to improve your game. The best ways to improve are to play with stronger players and to do go problems.
- goproblems.com is a wonderful site with lots of go problems to practice
- Kiseido sells books and go equipment. Some very useful books are available there
- In the Beginning by Ishigure Ikuo - The best book for learning about the opening and basic go strategy
- Tesuji by James Davies - Explains lots of clever moves and has great problems that will improve your reading skill
All beginners should read In The Beginning and then Tesuji. This will bring you into the 15k-10k range.
- Of course, joining the American Go Association and competing in tournaments with other players is a great way to become stronger!
Free Lectures
These .sgf files can be viewed using any SGF editor and were created by Jon Hop. They exist under a creative commons license, so you are free to copy and distribute them as long as you attribute the creator. To download, right click the link and select Save Link As (or whatever is close to that in your particular browser).