BenKyo League
A friendly online Go league
Serious games with friendly players near your level, on OGS, at times that suit you both.
$25 a month, with the Study Group included.
Join the LeagueOn Patreon: “BenKyo League”
Ask Ben firstOver 900 Go players in our community chat. Come say hi
How it works
A month in the league
1
Play
Each month the Main League runs in small divisions of players near your level. You set up each game with your opponent in the community chat.
2
Online, any hour
Games are played on OGS (online-go.com), which is free. The league is international and runs around the clock.
3
Learn from each other
Stronger members leave notes on each other’s games, and Ben teaches the patterns in live classes.
4
Go further
Want more games? The Title Tournament is an open free-for-all: any member, any agreed handicap.
How much you play is up to you.
What you get
One membership, classes included
The League includes everything in the Study Group, live group classes included.
BenKyo League
$25/ month
- Everything in Study Group
- Monthly Main League & Title Tournament
- Win lesson time, fun titles & more
Join on PatreonOn Patreon: “BenKyo League”
Everything in Study Group
- Three interactive group classes a month
- Weekly homework & answer videos
- Study material: SGFs, OGS demos & more
- Members' channels in the community chat
Want the classes without league games? The Study Group on its own is $10 a month.
Join the Study GroupOn Patreon: “Study Group”
Prices are in US dollars.
The community
League members, in their own words
Joining the BenKyo League has not only helped me improve my Go, but it’s given me the sense of community that I’d been missing for years. I’ve moved up about two stones on OGS in the few months I’ve been playing in the league (the longer time settings for higher stakes help improve game quality!), and getting to see others grow as well has been great. Lots of room for rivalry, growth and teaching, and it’s been fun watching the league grow and more members get involved!
About two stones stronger, on OGS
Rolled an alt account on OGS to try placement again with a fresh game history. Around 16k! That’s a lot better than being perma-stuck at 22k. … A better understanding of direction of play, and studying shape has helped a ton. Thanks BKL!
When I started BKL in November I had only played a couple 9×9s and some 20k bots on 19×19. BKL gave me confidence to play people :) I learn so much every single game.
I want to thank the stronger players in the BKL who spend time reviewing their games with me afterwards and even playing a teaching game with me. I feel that I am part of a genuine (Go) community.
Almost every SDK and Dan player in BKL has offered some level of insight to my games. I absolutely love it here!
It is the heart of the BenKyo community and is populated with friendly people who watch each other play their league games with interest. Stronger players leave variations in game records, and there is often lively discussion on the BenKyo Discord Server. Actually the community is so special that it is hard to put into words. … I strongly recommend players from DDK up to 3 Dan to consider instruction from Ben Mantle.
This is turning into, like, THE league :D
FAQ
Fair questions about the league
Where are league games played?
Online, on OGS (online-go.com), which is free to use. BenKyo League is international and runs around the clock: you arrange each game with your opponent in the community chat, at a time that suits you both.
How much time does the league take?
As much as you want to give it: there is no participation requirement. Main League games run in small divisions that fit a busy month, and the Title Tournament is an open free-for-all (any member, any agreed handicap) for when you want more. Games are set up in the community chat, impromptu or scheduled ahead.
How do league game reviews work?
Stronger members look at each other’s games and leave notes, and Ben teaches the patterns in live classes.
What level do I need?
There is no rank gate. Members range from beginner to 3 dan (AGA/EGF), and your Main League games are against members near your level. If you know the rules, you can play.
Do the programs stack?
Yes. Each tier includes everything below it: the League includes the Study Group, and the lesson tiers include both. One membership, one community.
How do I join?
On Patreon: the BenKyo League tier puts you in the league and the Study Group. Not sure it fits? Ask me first and I’ll be honest about fit.