[Stones and Stories] The Era of 'Real Baduk' with Breaths and Tremors Begins Again

The 28th LG Cup Chosun Ilbo Kiwang Tournament Opens
First Face-to-Face World Baduk Match in Korea Since COVID-19

The impact of COVID-19 was no exception for Korean Baduk (Go). Until now, international tournaments hosted by Korea were effectively held as 'half tournaments.'

Online world tournaments where opponents face each other through computer monitors and video. Although these are official matches, compared to the past, the scenes feel awkward and empty. This was a measure taken considering the restricted contact with others due to infection concerns. Since the shock of COVID-19 in 2019, face-to-face matches have been replaced by online games.

There is nothing strange about professional Baduk players playing online matches. However, it is a different matter when tournaments that should be held face-to-face are conducted online. Considering the authority and tradition of Baduk history, which spans over 3,000 years, the process is as important as the result.

The environment that makes face-to-face matches difficult is a source of regret. It was an element that prevented fully experiencing the charm of Baduk. Baduk is based on the placement of black and white stones, which determines the flow of the stones. The fate of life and death is decided through intense reading of moves. The winner is ultimately determined by counting the territory. However, the process leading to the result is more complex than one might think. Various factors influence the outcome.

Information that determines the flow of Baduk includes the opponent’s breathing and changes in facial expression, as well as the sound of the stones when placed. Whether the opponent’s hand trembles or the sound of the stones is solid and heavy can be variables to gauge psychological state.

As with all sports, mental strength is important in Baduk. Those who can maintain composure and fully demonstrate their skills have an advantage.

In that sense, the poker face of Lee Chang-ho 9-dan, known as the ‘Stone Buddha,’ was an important weapon. Simply by not showing signs of being flustered, the opponent misses out on crucial information. However, the situation changed as major world tournaments were held online.

Although you can see the opponent through video, there is inevitably a difference between seeing the opponent directly in front of you and watching them through a video feed. This is why world Baduk tournaments held during the COVID-19 period are called half tournaments.

The opening ceremony of the 28th LG Cup Chosun Ilbo Ki Championship was held on the 28th at Gonjiam Resort in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do.
[Photo by Korea Baduk Association]

However, after the endemic phase (periodic outbreaks of infectious diseases), winds of change are blowing in the world of Baduk. The era of real Baduk, where you can fully feel the opponent’s breathing and the sound of the stones, has returned. The prologue to this change began with the 28th LG Cup Chosun Ilbo Kiwang Tournament, which started on the 28th.

This is the first face-to-face match held in a world Baduk tournament hosted by Korea since COVID-19. The LG Cup, which will continue until January-February next year, has embarked on a grand journey, leaving another record in Baduk history.

At the opening ceremony held at Gonjiam Resort in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, delegations from Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, and other countries attended in person to celebrate the opening. Top Baduk masters from around the world gathered in Korea.

In the round of 24 in the main tournament held on the 29th, players from various countries sat face-to-face and competed in direct matches. Those who passed the round of 24 will compete in the round of 16 along with eight seeded players. The round of 16 on the 31st included the world’s strongest Shin Jin-seo 9-dan, along with seven Korean players, seven Chinese players, and two Japanese players.

The era of face-to-face matches has resumed. Just as the world is returning to normal, Baduk is also finding its original place again.