Lessons & Coaching

One-on-one online Go lessons with Ben

Lessons built around your own games, at whatever level they are, with a teacher who has taught Go since 2008.

Ben MantleCanadian, AGA & EGF 5 dan · Fox 8 dan · teaching since 2008
Lesson plans

Monthly one-on-one plans

Paid monthly on Patreon. Every plan includes everything in BenKyo League and the Study Group.

Lessons & Coaching

  • Everything in BenKyo League
  • One-on-one lessons with Ben
  • $100+ tiers: personal ability report, 2/yr
  • $100+ tiers: OGS correspondence games played with & annotated by Ben

Just the lessons

Lessons on Ko-fi, as hour packs or a monthly plan, are just the lessons, with no League or Study Group attached.

Prices are in US dollars.

Your teacher

Ben Mantle

Canadian, AGA & EGF 5 dan · Fox 8 dan · teaching since 2008

Ben Mantle

I stepped through the Hikaru no Go gateway in 2006, started teaching in 2008, and trained in South Korea in 2009. In 2021 I left my software career to Go full-time: teaching, streaming, building this community, and training for the North American Pro Qualifiers.

I like to understand my students on a deep level and draw on my own journey for advice that actually resonates. Believing in your own potential is the cornerstone of improvement.

“The journey is the reward.”

More about Ben

From his students

Ben is an amazing Go teacher with an expansive knowledge not only in beginning, middle, and ending phases of the game, but also useful tesuji that many of your opponents won’t know. With help from him, I improved my rank from 3 kyu to 1 dan. … If you haven’t had a lesson with him yet, your game is suffering.
AustinPrivate student · 3 dan3k → 1d
To me, a teacher is someone who takes your hand to show you the way. They accompany you on your journey and equip you with tips and new ideas. They are your map and compass, steering you back on course when you lose your way. … In my eyes Ben demonstrates all of the qualities that constitute my definition of a real ‘teacher.’ He’s really patient, flexible and adaptable.
ErikPrivate student · 3 kyu
He has been a great mentor, instructor and friend to me. He never fails to explain a concept in an easy way and always has a solution for my questions. He is easily the most patient person I know when it comes to teaching people, especially for those just starting out like me. … Don’t hesitate and I know for sure Ben will help you to become a better player!
DeadlyChakraLeague member · 3 kyu
FAQ

Before you start

Which plan fits me?
Not sure? Ask me first and I’ll point you at the right one, no hard sell.
Do I need a membership to take lessons?
No. The Patreon lesson tiers include the League and Study Group; lessons on Ko-fi, whether hour packs or a monthly plan, are just the lessons on their own.
What do the $100+ tiers add?
A personal ability report twice a year, and OGS correspondence games played with and annotated by Ben.
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.
What time zone are you in?
I’m on Eastern time (North America), and my hours vary. The league doesn’t wait on my schedule: it’s international and runs around the clock, with members playing all over the world.

Your move.

Tell me where your Go is and where you want it to go.