A Question for All the Go Players

[polyplay]

Being a fan of Go, and seeing that iGo (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=297094975&mt=8) ($3.99) was just released, I wanted to know if there are any Go apps that are really necessary to have. None of the ones I've found are "complete," but I don't really know if I've found all of the ones available and was wondering if there were other Go fans in the English-speaking app realm. :)

SmartGo Touch (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=290948286&mt=8) ($9.99) looks like the most complete, with over 6000 (!!) games to study, a few thousand problems, and the ability to make/play/record your own games. There are two issues, though: the price, which is really steep, and no AI to play an on-the-go game versus the CPU. I understand AI is tough to program, but even a minimally competent AI would be nice.

Tetsuki (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=292505310&mt=8) (Free) is worthless to me, because I don't have constant access to WiFi and don't really care about playing online.

Go Player (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=292670282&mt=8) ($3.99) looks minimally interesting, with a bunch of games to study. But for the price, I would frankly rather get a piece of cheesecake.

I have Stones (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=286525013&mt=8) (Free), which is just a simple interface to plunk down the stones.

iGo looks alright, but are any of these others worthwhile or are there any other Go apps?

[VeganTnT]

I have smartgo but I deleted it fairly quickly

I had hoped with the higher price tag I would get a tutorial to teach me to play/give me tips =( no such luck

[currymutton]

GnuGO is ported to JB iPhone/iTouch, fyi. I am still waiting from a Go game to play against with.

[polyplay]

Yeah, GnuGo is good stuff, but I'm not willing to JB my iPod for it.

The thing with iGo is that there's an AI to play against, but I don't know how the mechanics of the game will work on the iPod. I kind of wish there was a lite version, even with the weakest AI. $4 is a lot for a gamble.

The ideal program would have a lot of pro games to study, problems with tutorials and explanations, and the ability to play the CPU.

I suppose I'll just have to get by with reading PDFs of strategies on the iPod for the moment.

[Maythius]

If you know how to play Go and you want to further your ability, then get smartgo. I learned a lot of different skills by watching the professional games it provided. I also love the amount of problems it has that you can solve. Just keep in mind that it is just a study tool and its worth is determined by the amount of time you are willing to put into it.

[currymutton]

I see iGo released too, and it has just dropped in price...

AFAIK this one has the option to play a game against CPU and another player. May be this is what I am looking for.

Is it good? Is the CPU stronger than GNUGo? Any review or thoughts?

TIA.

[polyplay]

I see iGo released too, and it has just dropped in price...

AFAIK this one has the option to play a game against CPU and another player. May be this is what I am looking for.

Is it good? Is the CPU stronger than GNUGo? Any review or thoughts?

TIA.

I'm strongly considering biting, but based on one of the reviews, I'm worried about the accuracy of stone placement. The free app Stones has a system whereby stones appear above your finger, and it works great. I'm just worried that if I play on a 19x19 board it will be too inaccurate.

I would assume with 10 difficulty settings it would get to at least Kyu in the upper-teens, but I doubt it's as tough as the 8-10 Kyu strength of GnuGo.

I'm going to agonize about this for a while. If I bite I'll give a quick review.

[currymutton]

I was on the verge of biting this one...well I am more concerned about the AI rating, even though I am very much a beginner, a tough opponent would give me growth and a sense of achievement.

Well, may be, I dunno, USD2.99 is not that steep, I may bit it in my sleep...

[polyplay]

I think I'll probably get it tomorrow and forgo a meal or two.

I should be able to give some impressions by this time tomorrow.

[mrbass]

Itsu Demo Doko Demo Dekiru Igo - AI Igo DS
Daredemo Kantan Chou Chikun no Tsumego
Asonde Igo ga Tsuyoku naru Ginsei Igo DS
Umezawa Yukari no Yasashi Igo
http://mrbass.org/nintendoDS/japanesegames/
has link to official homepages of those games if you can navigate around in Japanese.

Those are the ones I liked the best on Nintendo DS. Tsumego was awesome. It presented a problem where it asked you to capture stones in x amount of moves. I learned a lot from playing that one. Would love to see something similar to that on iphone. AI's never will be any good except for beginners. Dekiru Igo one was also really nice I enjoyed playing.

Nothing yet has caught my attention yet for a nice Go program yet on iphone.
I would be interested if you think iGo is worth the $3 though.

[polyplay]

It's pretty late here in the Central Time Zone (almost 3:30 AM), but when I get home from work tomorrow I'll spring for it and give initial impressions.

Unfortunately, I probably won't be able to give a good assessment of the AI strength, since I'm a pretty weak amateur. I, too, want a program that has Life and Death problems and/or "capture the stones" problems, as well as a bunch of professional games to study. I'm just not convinced enough to spend $10 for SmartGo and get those things without an AI, though.

[currymutton]

Acutally, if you like problem-solving game for IGo, you may wish to try this USD0.99 title (game in Simplified Chinese):

http://appshopper.com/sports/%E5%9B%B4%E6%A3%8B%E6%AD%BB%E6%B4%BB%E9%A2%98

[iGewappnet]

Is this (http://www.robota.nl/products/iPhone%20iGo.html) the same? In that case it's the GNU engine.

[polyplay]

Alright, I bought it. The pics below are basically everything, plus there's an Undo/Pass selection above the main board.

Initial impressions: it's alright. You can create and maintain several games at once, which is nice, although the mechanism for deleting games confused me at first. I deleted a game I created and then tried to change games, and it remained on the first game. Eventually I figured it out.

Options are pretty basic, with the selections you can see below. The pieces, thankfully, appear above your finger, so placement is accurate even on a 19x19 game. Some reviewers in the App Store have complained about the lack of magnification on the bigger boards, but I never really play anywhere where it would be awkward without magnification. :) The graphics are what you see; pretty basic stuff.

As far as difficulty, I can't really say with accuracy. I'm ranked pretty weakly (about 17 kyu), and the toughest AI beat me on two 9x9 games and one 19x19 game. The easiest difficulty setting is pretty laughably easy, but that's to be expected.

That's basically it. If you have $3 to spare and want a reasonably tough Go AI on the go, it's probably worth the money.

[currymutton]

Okay, looks fine. I don't even have a rank, nonetheless, I may give it a shot tonight.

[polyplay]

Acutally, if you like problem-solving game for IGo, you may wish to try this USD0.99 title (game in Simplified Chinese):

http://appshopper.com/sports/%E5%9B%B4%E6%A3%8B%E6%AD%BB%E6%B4%BB%E9%A2%98

That looks interesting, but knowing absolutely no Chinese, I don't know how much I would be able to get out of it, especially if there are explanations and directions (capture this stone in x moves, create life as white, etc.).

Is this (http://www.robota.nl/products/iPhone%20iGo.html) the same? In that case it's the GNU engine.

I took a look, but I have no idea how to use it. I presume it's for jailbroken iPods? If so, I can't use it.

[iGewappnet]

I took a look, but I have no idea how to use it. I presume it's for jailbroken iPods?
Yes, of course. But I mentioned it just because it is also called iGo and has been existed as an "unoffical" App since 2007, so I thought the "official" iGo could be the same. In that case we would know about the strength of the engine, because this old iGo is clearly based on the well known GNU engine.

[polyplay]

Yes, of course. But I mentioned it just because it is also called iGo and has been existed as an "unoffical" App since 2007, so I thought the "official" iGo could be the same. In that case we would know about the strength of the engine, because this old iGo is clearly based on the well known GNU engine.

Ahhh, I get it. Judging from the screens on that site, it doesn't look like the same guy/team that programmed this one. GnuGo is great, but it looks like we'll have to wait a while before we get that engine into the app store. This one's AI seems tough enough for me, so it's entirely possible that the creator didn't just code his own AI but used one of the open-source programs out there as a base.

The creator doesn't have a website or an email for support, and Googling got me nowhere, so I can't ask. But I can have fun with this for a while. :)

[paz]

Hi Everyone,

I'm the author of iGo. I'm glad to see folks are interested in the game.

A few things: I am currently working on an update to address some of the UI issues/suggestions people have had. Also, I am going to put out a free light version some time in the next couple weeks (I may raise the price on the full version at that point). I'd like to also include a tutorial to encourage new players to check it out. So much to do!

Since it seems like folks are worried about the price, I'll give promo codes to the first 5 people to send me an email at iphone.go.support@gmail.com. Hopefully you can convince everyone else they should buy it :)

Thanks,
Phil

[polyplay]

It's always nice to see devs on here, especially when they respond to suggestions/criticism. :)

After spending a few more days with it, there is no doubt that for what it offers it is worth the money. It is AFAIK the only one that offers AI, and that has been the primary reason to have portable Go.

I've been pleased with it so far, and would recommend it for folks who want what seems like a solid AI for less than a large pop. :)

One question: did you code the AI yourself, or use preexisting code?

[currymutton]

(Below is the same as the email I sent you earlier)

First off, don't send me anything, I have bought your stuff.

Well, it seems to me that your iGo crashes every single time it starts but fine afterwards.

I also learn never to go back to Springboard when the CPU is working on the next move. But at times, I may say I am not quite fair, the process is a little too long.

Also, I would like see the ability to delete every single game I don't want.

Online play will be nice but not necessary. And if you are willing to share the strength of the CPU player, it would be very much appreciated.

Keep up the good work.


Regards.

[polyplay]

Also, I would like see the ability to delete every single game I don't want.


Maybe I am misunderstanding this, but you can delete games by touching the trash can next to the plus sign in the list of games.

The app also crashes on me occasionally. Not every time I use it, but more often than other apps.

And while the wait times can be longer than 10 seconds, they're not nearly as frustrating as the AI. :)

[currymutton]

The game allows to delete all but one game, presumably the current or the latest one. It is fine but may be the game is done there is no reason to go back or retain.

I am using a non-jailbroken 2.2 iPhone and the game crashes back to Springboard every time. FYI.

[polyplay]

The game allows to delete all but one game, presumably the current or the latest one. It is fine but may be the game is done there is no reason to go back or retain.

I am using a non-jailbroken 2.2 iPhone and the game crashes back to Springboard every time. FYI.

Yeah, I agree. It is kind of annoying to have to start a new game to get rid of the current one.

Yikes. I'm on a first-gen iPod Touch with 2.2 and does its stubborn crash thing more often than not, and I frequently reboot.

The whole package is still worth it, in my opinion.

[polyplay]

I saw that a new app, Go Go! (http://appshopper.com/games/go-go) [App Shopper Link], was just released.

It says it runs on GnuGo 3.6, and it's only $.99, so I might bite.

Those screenshots scare me, though.

[currymutton]

I saw that a new app, Go Go! (http://appshopper.com/games/go-go) [App Shopper Link], was just released.

It says it runs on GnuGo 3.6, and it's only $.99, so I might bite.

Those screenshots scare me, though.

Saw that too. Well the first screen is the all zoom out screen I guess, the interface is not pretty, but according to the descriptions, you can zoom into the board too. But I don't see the flexibility of board size other than 19x19, though. I may bite it or wait.

[wiesse]

I'll buy it when I hear it is good or (preferably) see a good video of it.

[currymutton]

Below is my email to the developer on "Go Go!"

=====

Hello Developer,

I am a user of your game. I have some initial comments on this title:

1. The final UI is different from your screenshot, where the position of the zoom button and the pass button are swapped. As a developer myself, and as your title charges, this is a very amateurish mistake.

2. So we also find that due to above, when the zoom button is pressed, the pass button turns "blue".

3. Also, I find the zoom/pan mechanism very confusing. First off, it is not mentioned anywhere how to zoom and pan, I have to figure it out myself. Also, I would prefer the "Apple" way of zoom -- using two-finger movement to zoom in and out and one finger to pan and move.

4. Since the nature of touch screen, I suggest user can have the option to tap once more to confirm the move.

5. The option screen is located in the Preference, it is very inconvenient to change the setting. I suggest you move it back into the game itself.


Regards.

[lilasoft]

I am working on a Go app, too.

[polyplay]

Below is my email to the developer on "Go Go!"

=====

Hello Developer,

I am a user of your game. I have some initial comments on this title:

1. The final UI is different from your screenshot, where the position of the zoom button and the pass button are swapped. As a developer myself, and as your title charges, this is a very amateurish mistake.

2. So we also find that due to above, when the zoom button is pressed, the pass button turns "blue".

3. Also, I find the zoom/pan mechanism very confusing. First off, it is not mentioned anywhere how to zoom and pan, I have to figure it out myself. Also, I would prefer the "Apple" way of zoom -- using two-finger movement to zoom in and out and one finger to pan and move.

4. Since the nature of touch screen, I suggest user can have the option to tap once more to confirm the move.

5. The option screen is located in the Preference, it is very inconvenient to change the setting. I suggest you move it back into the game itself.


Regards.

Thanks for posting your feedback. I think unless some of the issues are resolved I'm going to pass on this. I'm doing well enough with iGo.

[currymutton]

I am working on a Go app, too.

Good to hear that -- personally I would like to see a strong Go engine (GNU once more I don't mind), make sure you check your UI, especially point 4 of my post above. Thank you.

[lilasoft]

Good to hear that -- personally I would like to see a strong Go engine (GNU once more I don't mind), make sure you check your UI, especially point 4 of my post above. Thank you.

That's the plan. But I was wondering if it is still worth now that there's somebody already working on this.

My idea was to make a great interface with great usability. It will take some time since I have other projects too.

But since I love the game of Go, I will do it anyway (for myself) and then decide it if is worth publishing it.

Cheers,
-c.

[lilasoft]

By the way, gnugo is lincensed under GPL. You can't use the code in a closed source product (without releasing the source code of the whole app).

The original iGo (http://www.robota.nl/products/iPhone%20iGo.html) has the compiled binary within the application bundle. I think that the app launches the gnugo engine (using NSTask or fork/exec) and talks to it via pipes.

This is legit, but as far as I know there's no way to do this with the official SDK. If there's some other developer reading here, please correct me if I'm wrong.

-c.

[Flowbee]

Somebody, please start work immediately on a Chess-With-Friends-like Go game. Even better than chess, go lends itself perfectly to a leisurely back and forth style of play. I really love to study the board before making moves, but rarely have an hour or two to commit to a game. Go With friends would be awesome.

[mrbass]

I saw that a new app, Go Go! (http://appshopper.com/games/go-go) [App Shopper Link], was just released.

It says it runs on GnuGo 3.6, and it's only $.99, so I might bite.

Those screenshots scare me, though.

Ok I bit and short story short don't buy it in it's current state. I could get the pan and zoom to work sometimes but not always. Figured out you touch the zoom button then use pinch to zoom in or out then swipe to pan around. Problem is it only works sometimes and not all the time. Board size is only 19x19 currently. All settings are controlled in the Settings app. If zoom/pan issues are fixed it might be worth looking into again.

[polyplay]

Ok I bit and short story short don't buy it in it's current state. I could get the pan and zoom to work sometimes but not always. Figured out you touch the zoom button then use pinch to zoom in or out then swipe to pan around. Problem is it only works sometimes and not all the time. Board size is only 19x19 currently. All settings are controlled in the Settings app. If zoom/pan issues are fixed it might be worth looking into again.

Hmmph. Thanks for the info. Hopefully the issues will be resolved.

[lilasoft]

Ok. I made some more research and there's no way to use gnugo without infringing the GPL license.

Anybody knows about some other freely available (and reasonably strong) engine?

[Maeks]

Well since ou guys are talking about Go anyways, I might as well as a question. Not related to the iPhone in any way.

I've always wanted to learn go and have read how difficult it is to make a good AI and that's why there isn't some easy, solitaire-like program out there that ships with Windows, etc.

So I was wondering what you guys might think would be a good way to learn? I saw that Gnu Go in posts and looked it up, but any other suggestions?

[paz]

Sorry for the delayed reply.

I've released a new version that addresses a lot of the crashing issues, although people have reported a problem with 19x19 games not saving. Even so, I'm hoping people will revise some of their comments on iTunes.

Also, I improved the UI and included a short tutorial to attract players new to the game.

Thanks to folks who wrote me with suggestions and feedback. It really does help

-pz

[polyplay]

Well since ou guys are talking about Go anyways, I might as well as a question. Not related to the iPhone in any way.

I've always wanted to learn go and have read how difficult it is to make a good AI and that's why there isn't some easy, solitaire-like program out there that ships with Windows, etc.

So I was wondering what you guys might think would be a good way to learn? I saw that Gnu Go in posts and looked it up, but any other suggestions?

For free stuff, I would recommend browsing around the Sensei's Library (http://senseis.xmp.net/?FrontPage). There are also a lot of interactive things on Go Problems (http://www.goproblems.com/). As far as programs are concerned, The Many Faces of Go has some good stuff for beginners, but advanced Go players generally gravitate towards the more advanced AI programs.

Aside from that, playing games is the best way to learn.

[Maeks]

Thank you very much! I'll have to check those out later (as I have class now...:mad:)

It seems kind of difficult to get into this game compared to, say, Chess. It almost seems as if you have to go out and physically find someone and get them to teach you the game with a physical board,e tc. At least based on what I've read. And that is no easy feat......

[polyplay]

Thank you very much! I'll have to check those out later (as I have class now...:mad:)

It seems kind of difficult to get into this game compared to, say, Chess. It almost seems as if you have to go out and physically find someone and get them to teach you the game with a physical board,e tc. At least based on what I've read. And that is no easy feat......

Well, it's not necessarily more difficult to get into than Chess, but it's certainly different. A major initial problem is that the locus of the game's popularity is in East Asia, while Chess' is in the West. But just keep practicing the problems, reading the Sensei articles, and playing games against the AI and it'll get a little less daunting. :)

[currymutton]

Here comes another one: Go (weiqi)

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=301349411&mt=8

Looks like there is no shortage of this genre, but I have strong doubts that we can place our move precisely.

A bit pricey to me but if anyone who have this one please kindly post us a review.

[currymutton]

Thanks for posting your feedback. I think unless some of the issues are resolved I'm going to pass on this. I'm doing well enough with iGo.

Oh well, the developer even do not care to response till to date. US$0.99 well spent!

[polyplay]

Oh well, the developer even do not care to response till to date. US$0.99 well spent!

Yikes. That's really not good, from a customer service perspective. I don't think I've ever had to wait that long for a dev reply to an email.

[polyplay]

Here comes another one: Go (weiqi)

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=301349411&mt=8

Looks like there is no shortage of this genre, but I have strong doubts that we can place our move precisely.

A bit pricey to me but if anyone who have this one please kindly post us a review.

Sorry to double-post, but I don't think I'm going to get this new game that showed up. It looks like it has no more features than iGo, which I already have. It's just too much money for me to test something that would likely be a carbon copy of an app I already have.

[dboeren]

weiqi just went on sale for 99 cents, has anyone tried it yet? How does it compare with iGo for 2.99?

[mrbass]

weiqi just went on sale for 99 cents, has anyone tried it yet? How does it compare with iGo for 2.99?

I can just compare it with Go Go which even had an update last nite and still has pan/zoom problems which it reportedly corrected. Go Weiqi is freaking awesome no wonder it was $4. You can do 9x9, 13x13, 19x19. No zoom is needed either. You drag from the pot your black stone and the stone is about an inch above your finger so it's easy to see at all times. Also I was wondering how you can precisely place it on the 19x19 board and you can since movement is like on grid points. You can set komi 0 to 10 and set handicap from 0 to 9. You can pass, undo move, resign. Have iphone play against itself, play cpu or play two humans. Finally I didn't get burned for a $1.

[mrbass]

Go Weiqi (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=301349411&mt=8) is free for 2 days. I'd say this is one of the best Go games with a great interface. If you have any interest in Go then get this game.

[currymutton]

Here comes another one...

Simply called "Go" by Robota Software. It claimes to be based on GNU Go 1.14 and I have played 2 casual 9x9 games and looks like to me the engine is very strong (beaten up very quickly at level 0). The UI, I think it is unique so far, solves the problem of placing your move on a 19x19 board by actually putting down the co-ordinates. It is free, btw.

Product page:
http://www.robota.nl/products/GNU%20Go%20for%20the%20iPhone.html

[mrbass]

GNU Go is not too bad but not too great either. Suffers from same zoom problem as iGo (think that was it). Good for a free one to play 9x9 and if you don't mind making a few mistakes in 13x13 every now and then (assuming your not zoomed at all and try to hit the correct placement) and pressing undo it's duable though I'd imagine that'd get frustating. 19x19 you have to zoom and it's horrific trying to pan the screen. Go weiqei goes free every now and then so snag that when/if you have the chance doesn't have these issues.

[Tennisking1o1]

Go weickie is currently free, I would check that one out just because it's free...

[mrbass]

I pitted Aya Go set strength of AI set to 11 (1 to 11 with 11 highest) and Weiqei only has 1 AI setting.

I gave up after 2 hour game got too freaking tired. Anyway as you can see from screenshots (Aya Go black was kicking Go Weiqi white butt). Around move 110 or so Weiqei took about 25 to 30 seconds per move and Aya Go finished it in 10 seconds so very impressive.

Anyway for serious Go players I can't imagine them not having Aya Go and SmartGo (problem solving is nice although no explanation is given or commentary like some of the Japanese Nintendo DS games have so really only for ones who know Go well).

[djflippy]

+1 mrbass

I've played most of the english language Go games on the iPhone and Aya Go is, by far, the best. The AI is far superior to anything out there, as of this writing. After getting smoked on my first game against Aya, I deleted Go (Weiqi) immediately. The drag from the bowl interface in Go (Weiqi) was really nice, thematically, and very functional, due to the stone placement above you finger, but it just can't compete in the AI arena. SmartGo is still on my iPhone, of course, because the puzzles it offers are nice, but if you had to get only one, Aya is the way to go...

God, I hate myself for saying that.

[currymutton]

FYI, here comes another one:

iBaduk

http://appshopper.com/entertainment/ibaduk

[currymutton]

Another entry: SmartGo (not new?!)

http://appshopper.com/games/smartgo

Now I want more bridge games... :rolleyes:

[Stoney Mason]

I didn't realize that Aya Go game was out. Looks awesome. I'll pick that up tomorrow. It's also great that Smartgo is now out for the iphone although I wish it gave the option for a 19x19 board.

[currymutton]

Just let you know that there is a sale on right now. No idea when I would end.

http://appshopper.com/games/aya-go

Very tempting...

[Aurora]

Go AI is extremely hard to program. If that Shredder Chess program is already $9.99, I would expect a competent single player Go game for iPhone to be at least $19.99. I totally forgot about Go until I saw this thread, I'm a fan of Go too.

[currymutton]

Go AI is extremely hard to program. If that Shredder Chess program is already $9.99, I would expect a competent single player Go game for iPhone to be at least $19.99. I totally forgot about Go until I saw this thread, I'm a fan of Go too.

Just when I thought GNU Go is strong enough... :rolleyes:

Have you got Aya Go too? If so, what do you think?

Thanks.

[Aurora]

No I haven't got any Go apps for my iPhone yet, as I said I forgot all about it until I came across this thread. I just noticed the name Aya Go pop up a few times in this thread, I'm gonna go read its reviews later when I get home from work.

[iGewappnet]

So is Aya Go the only Go game in the store with another engine than GNU Go? And shouldn't the GNU Go engine be better according to the ICGA Tournaments results (http://www.grappa.univ-lille3.fr/icga/game.php?id=12)?

[deadweight]

Tetsuki and GNU go are sufficient for me, but AYA Go is definetly pretty and tempting at that price. At my skill level tho, GNU Go is plenty. I find that I learn more watching other's play using the live Tetsuki client.

[mrbass]

Just let you know that there is a sale on right now. No idea when I would end.

http://appshopper.com/games/aya-go

Very tempting...

Don't think it's a sale but rather a permanent price drop from $10 to $6. Aya Go (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=304890308&mt=8) try demo (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=318804832&mt=8) is the best you can get but having said that probably only targeted to a true Go enthusiast. Go weiqei (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=301349411&mt=8) is decent for the average Joe and it's free every now and then. It is free now June 16th.

Now SmartGo Pro (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=290948286&mt=8) not sure what the hell they're thinking they've raised it from $10 to $13.

[Squeaker]

Is there one that actually helps you learn the game?

[polyplay]

Is there one that actually helps you learn the game?

A few of the apps let you review preloaded games, which help players of all levels to internalize good moves. If you want to actually learn the game and study techniques, there are several good sources online. Start with Sensei's Library (http://senseis.xmp.net/); the Wikipedia article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_(board_game)) also has some good links.

I feel the same way I did when I started the thread, though: I wish there were a reasonably priced app with a solid interface that allowed you to view expert games, practice preset life/death situations, and play against a solid AI.

[Maythius]

Don't think it's a sale but rather a permanent price drop from $10 to $6. Aya Go (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=304890308&mt=8) try demo (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=318804832&mt=8) is the best you can get but having said that probably only targeted to a true Go enthusiast. Go weiqei (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=301349411&mt=8) is decent for the average Joe and it's free every now and then. It is free now June 16th.

Now SmartGo Pro (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=290948286&mt=8) not sure what the hell they're thinking they've raised it from $10 to $13.

smartgo pro is without a doubt the best go app available. I've learned sooooo many strategies and the added computer play is icing to the cake.

[Squeaker]

A few of the apps let you review preloaded games, which help players of all levels to internalize good moves. If you want to actually learn the game and study techniques, there are several good sources online. Start with Sensei's Library (http://senseis.xmp.net/); the Wikipedia article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_(board_game)) also has some good links.

I feel the same way I did when I started the thread, though: I wish there were a reasonably priced app with a solid interface that allowed you to view expert games, practice preset life/death situations, and play against a solid AI.

Thanks :) Guess I'll check out those sites first before buying any apps.

[Aurora]

It's funny how the original language of the game is spelt wrong: "Weiqei"??
The game Weiqi is Chinese, not Japanese.

[Beto_Machado]

So, in the end, which is the best Go app?

Aya Go looks the best, but the reviews say it crashes like nuts. I read this thread and some iTunes reviews for all the available apps, but it seems inconclusive.

[polyplay]

So, in the end, which is the best Go app?

Aya Go looks the best, but the reviews say it crashes like nuts. I read this thread and some iTunes reviews for all the available apps, but it seems inconclusive.

I'm probably not the best person to consult on this (since I haven't checked if there are any new Go apps released in the last 6 months), but I've found iGo (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/igo-sale/id297094975?mt=8) to be a decent app. It's only 99 cents, has AI, komi, variable board sizes, etc.

[djflippy]

SmartGo Kifu

[hhhh]

As a strong (6d AGA) go player, I highly recommend IT IGO for its engine, which is fairly strong. Even though I can give it 9 handicap and beat it by 300+ points, it is still a very good challenge for most beginners.

On a side note, SmartGo Pro is also very good, if only for its ridiculous amount of pro games. If you're looking to improve, simply browsing through those games will improve your strength greatly. $12.99 may seem steep for the Iphone but it's really a bargain considering most decent Go books are $20+.

EDIT: On a even more unrelated sidenote, I just realized that 8 pages of Go-related stuff on an iphone gaming forum is pretty awesome. May I direct you to http://www.lifein19x19.com/? ;)