The Game of Go as a Support in the Development of Cognitive Skills

Michelle Alejandra Wong Sámano /December 7, 2023

How to cite this article:
Samano, M. A. W. (2023). The Game of Go as a Support in the Development of Cognitive Skills. Journal of Go Studies, 17(2), 191-202.doi: 10.62578/316760

Abstract
        Go is a strategy game of oriental origin that has spread to many countries. With an antiquity of more than 2 ,500 years, its influence has expanded to Mexico, where it is currently practiced by people of all ages, without distinction of gender. Information on the web and studies indicate that practicing Go can influence the strengthening of cognitive skills of the people who play it. Therefore, the interest in this project is focused on studying the influence of the game Go on the development and strengthening of cognitive skills in people who play it in Mexico City and the metropolitan area, based on the evaluation and comparison of two groups: a group of 22 people who play Go and a group of 22 people who do not. The study was carried out in June 2023. Four cognitive skills were chosen for evaluation: reasoning, creativity, mathematical ability, and emotional intelligence. The evaluations consisted of exercises designated by school levels: primary, secondary, and high school and beyond. The data obtained was compiled into a table to create comparative graphs. The interpretation of the results revealed that the group that played Go obtained higher percentages in the evaluation of cognitive abilities, with mathematical ability showing the most significant improvement.

Keywords: Go game (Baduk, Weiqi), Cognitive skills, Mathematical ability, Decision-making, creativity, Emotional intelligence