" In general, when you begin to count, you begin with the number 'one'. On the Go board there are 360 intersections, plus one. The number 'one' is reigning supreme over the others because it holds the last position and governs the four quarters of the board. '360' represent the number of days of the year.

  The division of the board in four quarters symbolizes the four seasons.
The 72 points on the edge of the board represent the weeks of the year (the Chinese year has 72 weeks each having 5 days).

  The balance between yin and yang is the model for the division of the 360 stones into black and white.
The lines of the board are called (in Chinese) p'ing. The space between the lines is called kua. The board is square and stable. The stones are round and mobile.

  From old times until this day, the GO players didn't have a game which was identical with another. Always, every new game will be different from the ones played before. That is why much attention and a profound way of thinking are needed. After that, if we take into consideration the cause of victory or defeat, we will reach new heights (of knowledge)."

from Ch'i ching Shih-san p'ien (The Book of Games), written by Chang Ni, edited between 1049-1054

 

Catalin Taranu, European Go Champion