The "Stone Buddha": Unshakable Strength and Superhuman Judgment
Defeating Master Cho Hunhyun by Half a Point
A Korean Revered as a "God" in China
[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Being good at calculation is advantageous in Baduk. Here, calculation refers to so-called positional judgment and endgame skills.
In Baduk, strategies vary depending on whether the board position is favorable or unfavorable. Poor calculation leads to tangled strategies and reckless moves. This is a shortcut to defeat. Differences in calculation ability determine victory or loss.
The players who represented Korean Baduk were generally skilled at calculation. Among them, the best is undoubtedly Lee Chang-ho 9-dan. He was even called the "Shinsan (Divine Calculator)." Opponents were astonished by Lee Chang-ho's ghost-like calculation ability.
The legend of Korean Baduk, Cho Hun-hyun 9-dan, also experienced a defeat at the hands of his disciple Lee Chang-ho. On January 12, 1989, during the 3rd game of the 28th Highest Rank Challenge Match, Lee Chang-ho, playing black, won by half a point against his master. It was the moment when 13-year-old Lee Chang-ho toppled the giant Cho Hun-hyun.
![[Stones and Stories] Lee Changho’s Half-Point Games as the "Divine Calculator"](https://cphoto.asiae.co.kr/listimglink/1/2016011215505662590_4.jpg)
It was surprising that Cho Hun-hyun lost to his disciple, but losing by half a point was an even greater shock. Losing by half a point is a nightmare for Baduk players. Especially when it happens in an important match, the shock lasts a lifetime.
A half-point game usually occurs when a closely contested match continues until the very end. It is a match where either player could have won. But if Lee Chang-ho is involved in a half-point game, the story changes. Here lies the fearsome aspect of Lee Chang-ho, who is called the "Stone Buddha."
His style is as solid as stone, and his expression rarely changes. Opponents become confused about whether they are winning or losing against Lee Chang-ho. This firmness causes opponents to collapse mentally. Even when the board is unfavorable, Lee Chang-ho rarely chooses reckless moves. When this situation repeats, opponents become tense. Doubts arise, wondering if they have misjudged the position despite being clearly ahead.
Another fearsome aspect of Lee Chang-ho is that he sometimes hands a half-point defeat to opponents who had gained momentum. The secret lies in Lee Chang-ho's style. When Lee Chang-ho firmly locks down the game from the early to mid stages, it is natural for opponents to imagine the shadow of defeat. At this time, commentators often summarize the situation by saying, "Lee Chang-ho's calculation is set."
This is a prediction that no matter what variables occur, victory will ultimately belong to Lee Chang-ho. Most of these predictions proved correct. Once Lee Chang-ho judges victory is certain, he locks down even more firmly. Opponents see Lee Chang-ho continuously yielding and gain momentum, but ultimately cannot avoid defeat. This is why Lee Chang-ho was regarded as having transcended human-level skill.
However, Lee Chang-ho is still human. He cannot resist the changes of time. At his current age, past his mid-40s, expecting the calculation ability of his prime is unrealistic. According to the June player rankings released by the Korea Baduk Association, Lee Chang-ho is ranked around 49th. There are many players stronger than Lee Chang-ho domestically, such as Shin Jin-seo and Park Jeong-hwan.
Although his skill is not what it used to be, who can take Lee Chang-ho lightly? The fact that Lee Chang-ho is a treasure of Korean Baduk remains unchanged. A Korean who was revered as a "God" in proud China. Lee Chang-ho's fame is engraved as an indelible history in the world Baduk community.
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