碁盤 among this radiance

For example, here is our goban, go table, whatever you want to call it. It once belonged to a grandfather, then it was used (rather criminally) as a foot rest. Now we have received it very gratefully and use it with a sort of kindness and respect. We are very fond of this gorgeous block of wood.

But I cannot take a good photo of it yet. Perhaps it should have been more properly aligned with the tatami. Certainly in fact. I will take better photos later. Also I have very wobbly hands of late.

I followed a game shown on the tv, sunday noon. I don't know the names of the players though. In fact our tv is so very small, and "analogue" and nowadays it is expected that you have a vast tv, and that it is "digital" so honestly most text on tv can no longer be read. Black won. A woman player. White was a 7dan youngish nervous man. The woman became distraught from time to time (head in hands), I wondered whether she was Cho Chikun's pupil, he is famous for being distraught and muttering to himself and sometimes bashing his face in. White was quite valiant but had made a mistake in the jouseki at the upper right. I think that's what the commentators said.

Thoughts on following along with a game on tv: it is quite tense and strenuous to do, particularly in the end game. Things get very quick. Also, sometimes the tv is mainly showing the commentators, who are trying out various sequences, so you have to wait until you are shown the actual board and then catch up. Frenzied. I was quite giddy by the end.

Thoughts on playing on such a proper goban: you must sit straight (seiza) in order to properly see the board's surface. No slouching. It is a practical thing, not some aesthetic ceremonious thing or whatever. It is like always being around one of those western yogic health food jogger types, who always comment on your bad posture. They are always a bit prematurely aged, pruneish. But the goban is not annoying like those people. It is like having a kindly grandperson, generous with sweets.

I will now place the photo securely below:

I will write more about go, and supply you with better photos, of the tremulous beauty called the goban, like, later. Look like, for example, a better photo, already, so soon!

~ or is it better even, I can't tell? reveals more of the structure, for sure. So then it is better. Or? / and a bit dizzying angle tho . . .