News

A TEAM of students from Harpenden Academy have become British Youth Go Primary School Champions after winning at the British Youth Go Championships in Birmingham this weekend (18 November). It was the school's first time at the annual national tournament following the establishment of its Chess and Go club at the start of this year.

Five students took part in the day-long national competition.  Each contestant played five rounds in the main event with each round lasting up to one hour. They also played additional games in the side tournament, a competition played on small Go boards. In addition to winning the Primary Schools prize, two pupils secured national runner up places in their age categories and the other three collected awards for their play both in the main event and in the side competition. 

Parent at Harpenden Academy and school Go team coach, Pierre Oliviere, said “I am incredibly proud of the team. All of them showed great courage, determination and resilience. They didn't let the event faze them and, although it was a long day, they kept up the concentration in the main event while also challenging themselves with extra games in the side tournament.”

Go is an oriental game that is over 3000 years ago and is played by millions. It is often publicised as Weiqi, Igo and Baduk, as it is popular in Eastern countries, China, Japan and Korea. The game is very simple to learn, making it easy to pick up, though is complex to master as it a game of strategy and skill, meaning it is helpful to develop concentration and problem solving skills. It is good for people of all ages, as being a mind sport, it helps to keep you focused, similar to brain training games, though more social as there are many clubs throughout the country. The more it’s played, the more fun Go becomes; it has a few simple rules… though limitless possibilities!