I’m excited to announce the launch of the Dublin Go League! This will be a fantastic opportunity for the Go enthusiasts to compete in an EGF Class A tournament, held in person, following the same tournament format as the Confucius Cup, but with longer time frames — each round lasting 2 weeks.

Tournament Details

• Format: 5 rounds of McMahon (or 3 rounds, depending on the number of participants)
• Time Control: 1 hour main time, 5x 30 second byo-yomi
• Rules: Japanese rules, with a komi of 6.5
• Handicap: Difference in McMahon Score minus 1
• Tie-breakers: Direct comparison, SOS, then SOSOS

Provisional Schedule

Each round will last 2 weeks, giving players time to arrange and play their games in person. Games must be played live, either during club meetings or via other arrangements. A clock must be used for every game.

• Round 1: Mon 21 October – Sun 3 November
• Round 2: Mon 4 November – Sun 17 November
• Round 3: Mon 18 November – Sun 1 December
• Round 4: Mon 2 December – Sun 15 December
• Round 5: Mon 16 December – Sun 12 January 2025

Alternatively, if the number of participants is too low, we will play 3 rounds, each lasting slightly over 2 weeks.

• Round 1: Mon 21 October – Wed 6 November
• Round 2: Thurs 7 November – Sun 24 November
• Round 3: Mon 25 November – Wed 11 December

Communication

The Dublin channel on Discord will be used for:

• Announcement of the pairings on the start day of each round.
• Players must report their game schedules once arranged to ensure clock rentals can be prepared.
• The winner must report the game result (So, you’d better join the IGA Discord Server).
• Notify any missing rounds (e.g., exams, travel or etc) before the pairing of the next round.

Unplayed Games

• If any games remain unplayed by the end of each round and it’s determined to be your fault (e.g., no-shows), you will lose the game and receive a yellow card.
• A second yellow card will result in immediate removal from the league.
• If both players are deemed equally responsible (e.g., both were unable to agree on a time), the game will be voided and removed from the tournament system.

Participation

• Free Entry: Available to all members of the Irish Go Association.
• Open to all players: Even those outside Dublin can enter, but note that you must travel to Dublin to play your games in person.

Registration

• The registration is now open via this Google form.
• Closes: 6pm, Sunday 20th October (Smithfield Special Day – Don’t forget to register this too)
• Pairings for Round 1 available by: 10am, Monday 21th October
• Registration during the league is possible, however, your pairing will only be made if there is an even number of players.

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Join us for a competitive and fun season of Live Go! For any questions, please contact league@irish-go.org.