photo by Steve Colburn

Sadly, just a couple days after I posted the Valentine’s day problem below, its author, Nakayama Noriyuki (6 dan professional), passed away. Nakayama is well known for his generous contributions to Western go, having been a frequent visitor to the European and American Go Congresses. He was a prolific author, publishing more than 30 books, including The Treasure Chest Enigma, which compiled a number of his essays on go and a series of beautiful ladder problems.

Nakayama followed an unusual path in his professional career. While most professional players begin studying go seriously as young children and reach the peak of their career at roughly the same age as pro athletes, Nakayama first learned go at age 15, didn’t pass the pro exam until age 30 and didn’t reach his highest rank until age 60.

Nakayama Sensei was admired by all who met him for his generosity, sense of humor and gentle teaching style. Friends, acquaintances and students are sharing personal anecdotes at godiscussions.com. Below you can see another of his wonderful ladder problems. The black stones spell out his name (中山) in Kanji.