U.S. Go Congress

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The U.S. Go Congress is an annual, week-long event where players gather to learn, discuss, and play Go. Several hundred people generally attend, including a number of professional players. A few major tournaments are incorporated into the week, including the U.S. Open and the North American Ing Cup.

The 22nd Congress was held from August 12-20, 2006 in Black Mountain, North Carolina. The 23rd will be held from July 28 to August 5, 2007 in Millersville, Pennsylvania.

[edit] U.S. Open

The U.S. Open is a six round Swiss-McMahon Go tournament with high time limits. The Open is a part of the annual U.S. Go Congress, and is the largest Go tournament in North America. In 2006, the tournament's top prize was $2000. The prizes for the 2007 tournament have not yet been announced.

Players are grouped by strength into different sections. These range from beginners (33kyu - 30kyu) to the advanced open section (7 dan and above).

High dan players (4 dan and above) receive a base time of 120 minutes with 5 - 30 second byo-yomi periods. All other players receive a base time of 90 minutes with 5 - 30 second byo-yomi periods.

In 2006 Andy Liu won the tournament, going 6-0 in the open section.