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The North American Go Federation is the organization which certifies Go professionals for North America. For six days in August it is holding a tournament at the NGC with twelve of the strongest amateur players from the US, Canada, and Mexico. The winner will be certified as the next NAGF Professional and receive a $2000 prize, with $1000 going to the runner-up. The players will have an intense schedule with six games each in the preliminary round 8/16-8/18. The top four players will play a best of three semifinal on 8/19, and the top two will play a best of three final 8/20 and 8/21. I-Han Lui will be the Tournament Director for this prestigious event. Play begins at 9:30 each day and observers are welcome (masks and full vaccination required).

A great way to participate in this event is to volunteer as a game recorder. If you have never done this before, there will be a training session prior to the tournament.

Due to the ongoing national threat from the coronavirus, we are suspending face-to-face play at the Center and will be closed as we continue to monitor events. This is necessary to support the nationwide social distancing efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus. We will be monitoring the situation closely as to when to reopen.

The Cherry Blossom Tournament on 3/28 is cancelled as are regular hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday nights. Play at NOVA Go in Arlington on Monday nights is also suspended. The Sakura Matsuri Festival downtown has also cancelled, so we will not be participating teaching Go there this year.

We are in the process of setting up an NGC community room online for both formal and informal play. More details will be coming soon including East-v-West competition with the Seattle Go Center which is also closing down.

We'll be closed Wednesday night. Enjoy the holiday everyone!

Frederick Bao Sweeps NGC Back to School Tournament

34 players participated in the annual NGC Back to School event. Fresh from his win at the top section of the US Open in Madison WI, Frederick Bao (5D) went 4-0 to win the 5D-6D section here. Second place in the top section went to Justin Teng (6D) with a 3-1 record.

NGC volunteers will be sharing Go at the Otakon Convention this week in DC. There is a panel on Saturday from 12:45 to 1:45 PM with Diana Garnet a Tokyo based singer who hosted an NHK Go broadcast, and a workshop on Saturday night, "The Divine Move" from 9:30-11:30 PM.

The US Go Congress in Madison, Wisconsin just concluded with great attendance from the NGC and clubs in the surrounding area. 12 year old Frederick Bao of the NGC was the overall winner of the US Open. Congratulations Frederick! He will be assisting Josh Lee as well in the upcoming Beginner Class for ages 6-12 starting September 14.

The IRS has approved the National Go Center's application for 501(c)3 federal non-profit status. Among other benefits, donors can deduct contributions under IRC Section 170, and the NGC is exempt from Federal income tax. A huge thanks to the legal team at Sullivan&Cromwell - Michael Williams, Michael Jung, Katherine DeMamiel. Their pro bono work got us first incorporated and now approved as a 501(c)3.

The NGC will be hosting three more 4-round AGA rated tournaments in 2019:
- Back to School, September 7
- Pumpkin Classic, October 26
- Winter Warmer, December 14
Study up and mark your calendars!

27 players took part in the annual tune-up tournament for the upcoming US Go Congress. Jake Game the overall winner was one of a contingent of four player from Tennessee who drove all night to participate. After the tournament there was a farewell dinner for Chizuko Sento, a good friend of the NGC, who is returning to Japan.

For anime fans attending the big Otakon convention in DC July 26-28 there will be a Go workshop and demonstrations. Thanks to volunteers Patrick Sun, Juan Pablo Quizon, and Josh Lee for getting Go into the event.

The 46th annual Maryland Open run by the GWRM Baltimore Go Club was held in Catonsville, MD over Memorial Day weekend.

A Board meeting on 5/22/2019 approved rolling out a new membership structure for the NGC. It will support Youth, Adult and Senior memberships with benefits including tournament and class discounts. Details are expected in the next few weeks.

Also at the meeting Gary Smith was approved as Treasurer and Patrick Sun as Secretary.

At a well-attended meeting Sunday, National Go Center board members and community supporters developed plans to significantly expand NGC programs this Fall...