Shin Kaya 1.6-Inch Reversible 19x19 / 13x13 Go Game Set Board with Double Convex Yunzi Stones and Jujube Wood Bowls
Master and enjoy one of the world's oldest strategy games on a reversible Japanese standard size Shin Kaya Go game board with genuine Yunzi stones and jujube bowls.
- Two-In-One Playing Fields Go Board: This reversible board has 19x19 playing field on one side and 13x13 on the other; The 19x19 side is for standard gameplay, while the 13x13 is great for learning rules and fundamentals and for quick games
- Shin Kaya Go Board: Shin Kaya is valued for the resonating sound it creates when the stone hits the wood; It's also known for its soft touch, beautiful grain patterns, color, shine, and even fragrance; The board measures 18.1 x 16.9 x 1.6 inches (46 x 43 x 4 centimeters) with Japanese standard size grids of 22 x 23.5 millimeters
- Double Convex Stones: Yunzi stones have been made for almost a thousand years from the Yunnan Province in southern China; They're beautiful to look at, carry a nice heavy feel, and possess deep sounding 'snap' qualities; They're also the official stones of all professional Chinese Weiqi (Go) tournaments; These size 33 stones each measure 9.2 x 21 millimeters (about 0.36 x 0.83 inch)
- Set Of 2 Wild Jujube Bowls: Jujube or Chinese date wood is a hard and sturdy species; Each deep, natural grained bowl measures 5.9 x 4.3 inches (15 x 10.8 centimeters); The set comes with securing bowl straps and a vinyl carrying go bowl case
- The Way To Go: Included is Karl Baker's beginner classic booklet explaining the essential rules and strategies of Go
Item YN-TS015-A_YN-SB001-A
UPC 810989025457
The board is nice yellow to provide maximum contrast behind the black and white stones. The yunzi stones feel great and look fantastic after a quick rinse and oil. I used jojoba oil to condition the stones and were left with such an attractive matte sheen after the wash/dry/oil/rub/polish treatment.
It took some time to rub down each stone but I enjoyed the process. I watched the Surrounding Game while oiling and polishing the stones to bring out their maximum beauty and to imbue my energy into the set as it becomes part of the household. This step, it was not necessary as the powdery stones play the same as oiled ones. But it was not time wasted in my opinion. The jujube bowls are beautiful and sturdy. They feel special and really tie the set together. The ascetics are just so inviting.
I ended up cutting some spare felt I had lying around to make some bowl liners and now the sound is softer and bowls more protected against scratches. It really upgraded the experience. I used the scrap left over for come “coasters” to use under the lids to prevent scratches on the lids. Very pleased with the whole shebang.
The included sleeve fits *perfect* over the board and while the bowl carrier feels a little weak it will work just fine until I upgrade to a better built bag I found elsewhere. It’s not bad enough to dock a star.
Overall I’m very pleased with the feel, sound, and look of the shin Kaya set as a whole. I’m new to go but pleased to have this set on my table. It feels sturdy and well made. Lines are perfectly painted. Having a 13x13 on the flip side is nice to dip toes into before losing yourself in the vastness of the 19x19.
Shipping was very fast and box was comically giant. Packed well and all landed safe and sound. The printout of “the way to go” was a nice addition as well. It really helped but still had to resort to watching many YouTube vids to get really a grip.
THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL GO SET. GREAT QUALITY FOR THE PRICE. I AM EXTREMELY IMPRESSED AND HAPPY WITH THIS PURCHASE.
Also, my goban arrived slightly warped, which caused it to wobble, but the support team resolved the issue, and I’m happy with my purchase overall. Just note that the birch is a few shades more yellow and less warm brown. It’s not a bad thing, but something to keep in mind. I would definitely purchase from YMI again.
Insofar as Go can be a tactile game with the right set, this set is a joy to play with. The stone pieces have a heft, curve, and weight that is a pleasure to handle, and they sound pleasant being placed on the exceptionally sturdy board. The bowls for the stones are artful. The entire set has a sense of nearly literal gravity, not just form the execution of the design, but from the dense weight of the incredible slab of a playing table and the full bowls.
If you are balking at the price, keep in mind that you aren't just buying a board game with this set. When not being played, the set itself is practically displayable art; put the bowls on a bookshelf by your favorite novels, and place some pegs on the wall to hold the playing table, and you will have elevated the decor of your home as well. Then play a game on this, and one of those $30 plastic sets, and tell me you can't just feel the difference.
I am impressed with the excellent quality of the board and the stones. Very satisfied with the purchase and will be enjoying the game.