Rating: 
Summary: An Authentic Classic
Review: Although there are much better introductions to this arguably greatest of all games now available (e.g., Janice Kim's books and, especially, Cho Chikun's _The Magic of Go_), these later works would probably not have existed if Iwamoto's classic (along with the works of Korschelt, Lasker, and Fairburne(sp)) had not generated enough interest in the West to justify their publication.If you can tough-out this work, you are probably Shodan material, but, if it proves too daunting, fall-back to Kim or Chikun. Then, after it all makes sense to you, revisit Iwamoto; the insights of a 9-Dan are invaluable to any player.
Rating: 
Summary: The best introduction to Go for the intelligent reader
Review: At present, there are numerous introductory go books available in the english language. Older titles occasionally go out of print, so it is sometimes necessary to create new ones to accomodate the next generation of players. Fortunately, Iwamoto's classic book has been continually available since its publication in the early 70's. It follows an older style of writing and presentation characterized by consise exposition and the abundant application of Japanese terminology. In short, the author assumes the reader to be an intelligent adult with a serious interest in Go who plans to diligently pursue the subject by studying his text. If you are a younger player who has become accustomed to the contemporary emphasis on casual reading and simplified western terms, this book may not be suitable for your temperament. Nonetheless, it remains by far the best introduction available in the english language. I give it the highest recommendation.
Rating:
Summary: best available introduction
Review: I am only a beginning Go player, but I have ransacked the bookstore shelves for a solid introduction to the game, and this work is by far the best. Part I provides an amazingly clear explanation of the rules. Part II explains the basic strategy and tactics necessary to play an opponent and understand what you are doing. The only serious alternative, Janice Kim's series of volumes, moves at a snail's pace ideal for people unused to playing other strategy games (for example, chess). Although Kaoru Iwamoto wrote this book in the 1970's, it has the look and feel of a work written in the 1990's. You will be captivated and inspired to pursue the game further. Incidentally, beginners in search of Go opponents should take advantage of the free real-time services on the Internet. You can watch games between world-class players or challenge any of hundreds of ranked opponents. Along with buying this book, I recommend visiting IGS Panda Net, registering yourself, and downloading gGo and GNU Go.
Rating:
Summary: best available introduction
Review: I am only a beginning Go player, but I have ransacked the bookstore shelves for a solid introduction to the game, and this work is by far the best. Part I provides an amazingly clear explanation of the rules. Part II explains the basic strategy and tactics necessary to play an opponent and understand what you are doing. The only serious alternative, Janice Kim's series of volumes, moves at a snail's pace ideal for people unused to playing other strategy games (for example, chess). Although Kaoru Iwamoto wrote this book in the 1970's, it has the look and feel of a work written in the 1990's. You will be captivated and inspired to pursue the game further. Incidentally, beginners in search of Go opponents should take advantage of the free real-time services on the Internet. You can watch games between world-class players or challenge any of hundreds of ranked opponents. Along with buying this book, I recommend visiting IGS Panda Net, registering yourself, and downloading gGo and GNU Go.
Rating:
Summary: This is a great book and is a must for all beginers
Review: I have never played or even heard of the game go but when I got this book I started right away and completely understood the game. The diagrams are some-what hard to read but one must take there time to let it sink in. This book is a must buy for all beginers.
Rating:
Summary: Still unsurpassed as a beginner's book
Review: Iwamoto was one of the world's best players in the 1940s -- during his reign as Honinbo he was probably second only to the outstanding Go genius Go Seigen. His classic book takes one from absolute beginner to having a fair idea of life and death, openings, endgames, and some positional judgement. Two games against all-time greats are rather difficult for beginners though. I basically learned how to play go from this book, and this and a few casual games took me to about 7-8 kyu before I joined a proper go club.
Rating:
Summary: Still unsurpassed as a beginner's book
Review: Iwamoto was one of the world's best players in the 1940s -- during his reign as Honinbo he was probably second only to the outstanding Go genius Go Seigen. His classic book takes one from absolute beginner to having a fair idea of life and death, openings, endgames, and some positional judgement. Two games against all-time greats are rather difficult for beginners though. I basically learned how to play go from this book, and this and a few casual games took me to about 7-8 kyu before I joined a proper go club.
Rating:
Summary: Best beginner's book
Review: Not much to say other than this hands down the best beginner's book I've read to date. Simple and consice and to the point. Yet he covers a lot of the little things which other beginners books leave out.
Rating:
Summary: A Superb Intro to the World¿s Oldest Game - David Bronczyk
Review: Since learning the essentials of Go in 1978, I've read two exceptional books for beginners: this one by Iwamoto, and "Go: A Guide to the Game" by D.B. Pritchard (an out-of-print book published by Stackpole Books in 1973). Both books give the neophyte a glimpse into the game's unmatched strategic and tactical subtlety - far greater than that of chess - and its storied past, and both build a solid foundation for developing true mastery. Iwamoto's scheme of organization is excellent, and the sequencing of the basic elements is very logical. I needed several readings in order to digest all the densely packed concepts and examples, but I persisted, reminding myself that it would be unrealistic to expect easy and early prowess in such a deceptively simple "children's" game. I would recommend that a would-be Go player read this book while playing (i.e., freely experimenting and improvising) with computer Go - David Fotland's "The Many Faces of Go" is an outstanding and user-friendly software package.
Rating:
Summary: Black and White
Review: There are a dozen books on Go easily available. Some focus on novel teaching techniques or plenty of diagrams. Some books pay too much attention to the division between the beginning middle or end game or show too many examples. This grand old book has the perfect balance. Whats required is patience and a conceted effort to understand the initial concepts. Its important to play along with the book and play often, with good players. Together you can become good. Ofcourse a lot of practice and latent and you can become great. Five Stars
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