👋 Hi! I'm Eric Zhou
I'm a passionate Go teacher with a Chinese Go Amateur 5-dan certificate and 20 years of teaching experience. I’ve worked with students from all over the world, helping them improve their Go skills and achieve their goals. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, I’m here to help you master this incredible game.
🎯 Tailored Learning Plans for Every Student
Everyone learns at their own pace, and I fully understand that. That's why I provide customized learning plans designed specifically for your level, goals, and personal learning style. Whether you're a complete beginner looking to grasp the basics or an advanced player aiming to refine your strategies, I’ll create a plan that helps you grow.
🏅 Experience in Tournaments and Professional Matches
As a 5-dan Go player, I’ve participated in various tournaments and analyzed countless professional games. This allows me to not only teach theoretical aspects but also apply real-world experience to help you understand how to approach different scenarios, opponents, and challenges on the board.
📈 Step-by-Step Skill Improvement at All Levels
My teaching method focuses on gradual improvement. We will work on your fundamental skills, understand the intricacies of strategy, and learn advanced techniques at your pace. My goal is to help you not just memorize moves but to truly understand the logic behind them, enabling you to become a stronger and more confident player.
🧠 Beginner Basics
This course is designed for those who are new to Go or have only a basic understanding of the game. We will start by learning the board, rules, and game flow. I’ll guide you through the basic patterns (fuseki) and concepts like life and death, territory, and capturing stones, ensuring you have a strong foundation before moving forward.
♟️ Intermediate Course
If you already know the basics, this course is for you. We will focus on mid-game tactics such as proper use of influence, shape, and direction of play. You'll learn how to build stronger frameworks, attack effectively, and defend efficiently. We’ll also delve deeper into joseki (corner patterns) and tesuji (tactical moves) to enhance your game.
🔍 Advanced Dan-Level Training
For high-level players looking to improve further, I offer dan-level training that focuses on the nuances of professional play. We will study and analyze professional matches, deepening your understanding of whole-board thinking and global strategy. We’ll explore advanced concepts like killing moves, semeai (mutual life and death), and complex tesuji, helping you gain an edge in challenging games.
🎓 In-Depth Game Review and Analysis
One of the most important aspects of Go improvement is game review (kifu analysis). After every lesson or personal game, we will go over the match in detail. I’ll point out mistakes, missed opportunities, and highlight the good decisions you made. This process is key to identifying your strengths and weaknesses, enabling continuous improvement.
⭐ Homework Assignments & Practical Exercises
After each class, I will provide homework assignments tailored to your current level. These will include game reviews, specific problems to solve (tsumego), and reading materials to help you improve outside of class time. Practical exercises help you apply what you've learned, and we’ll go over the results together to refine your skills further.
⏱️ Punctuality & Preparation
To ensure effective learning, I kindly ask that you attend each lesson on time. If you have any specific areas you’re struggling with, feel free to let me know before class so I can prepare materials that target those areas. Additionally, reviewing past lessons and coming prepared with questions will maximize your progress.
📊 Progress Tracking & Continuous Feedback
Throughout our lessons, I will keep track of your progress and provide regular feedback to help you stay on track and keep improving. I encourage open communication, so if you ever feel stuck or need adjustments to your learning plan, don’t hesitate to reach out. My goal is to ensure that every class is valuable and aligned with your long-term objectives.
🔄 Flexible Learning Pace
I understand that every student has different schedules and learning preferences. We can adjust the pace of learning based on your needs—whether you want to move quickly through the lessons or take more time on difficult concepts. The flexibility of my lessons ensures you get the most out of your learning experience.
🚫 Respectful and Positive Learning Environment
In my classes, I strive to create a positive and supportive atmosphere. Learning Go should be enjoyable, and I encourage all my students to stay motivated and never hesitate to ask questions. Mutual respect is key to a productive learning environment, so please feel free to communicate openly and kindly.