Ko is the most intriguing aspect of go. When a ko fight arises, the calculations and considerations become quite complex. You have to be able to calculate how much the ko is worth, looking at it from Black's perspective, then from White's. Next, you have to look at the number of ko threats each side has, calculate the value of each, then determine whether or not these threats are big enough to induce you or your opponent to answer. Even if your ko threat isn't big enough to get your opponent to respond, is it big enough to win the game? Clearly, when fighting a ko, thinking globallyis of paramount importance, since positions throughout the whole board are involved. Ko is the most difficult part of the game to master, but without an understanding of its intricacies, you can never become a truly strong go player.

All About Ko is a book that simplifies this difficult subjectby breaking it down into 19 easily digestib;e chapters. Each of these chapters concentrates on one particulr aspect of ko, with ample examples, so that the reader fully understands the concept being studied. Throughout these chapters, examples are given which show how professionals handle these kinds of ko situations in their games. Many small-board games are also provided so as to strip away irrelevent local positions, thereby enabling the reader to concentrate on the topic being discussed. The book ends with 122 problems designed to hammer home the conepts introduced in the first part of the book. They include kos that arise in josekis and common life-and-death positions. You will also be asked to find moves in positions that confronted professionals in their games.

All About Ko is a comprehensive textbook on ko. A thorough study of it will lay a solid foundation for your progress on the road to mastering ko.