Origins & Early Life

Wu Chuan (Chinese: 吳泉), courtesy name Wu qing-yuan (Chinese: 吳清源) (June 12, 1914 – November 30, 2014), better known by the Japanese pronunciation of his courtesy name, Go Seigen (ご せいげん), was a Chinese-Japanese master of the game of Go. He is considered by many players to have been the greatest Go player in the 20th century. Born on June 12, 1914, in Minhou County, Fujian Province, southeast China, Go Seigen did not start learning Go until he was nine, a relatively late age for a professional (Honinbo Dosaku first learned go at seven and Honinbo Shusaku before he was six). His father, who had taken go lessons from Honinbo Shuho while studying in Japan, was responsible for introducing him to the game.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Go Seigen quickly excelled and soon became known as a Go prodigy. By the time he was 12, less than three years after first learning the game, he was already of professional strength, as evidenced by his games against the visiting Japanese player Iwamoto Kaoru, 6p in 1926. The next year, he was able to reach a draw in a two-game match against another Japanese professional, Inoue Kohei, 5p. In 1928, still only 14 years old, he twice defeated Hashimoto Utaro, 4p. Go Seigen...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Abdul Basit 'Abd us-Samad — Shared historical date (11-30 · Died) (1988): Renowned Egyptian Quran reciter, celebrated for his melodious and emotionally engaging style.
• Ali Hassan al-Majid — Shared historical date (11-30 · Born) (1941): Notorious Iraqi military figure, cousin of Saddam Hussein, known for brutal repression.
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