China News Service, Shanghai, February 1 (Yang Haiyan) In recent days, a cafe located near Zhongtan Road, Putuo District, Shanghai has become a gathering place for Go enthusiasts, attracting many netizens to watch and discuss it. A reporter recently visited this cafe and saw that most of the seats on the second floor were occupied by chess players, numbering thirty or forty people. During the heat of the chess match, almost everyone held a cup of coffee, creating a unique scene.
The warp and weft on the Go board are intertwined, just like the aroma of coffee, providing a peaceful world for Go enthusiasts to play.
Go enthusiasts are playing Go in a cafe. Photo by Yang Haiyan
This is not only a cafe, but also an exchange platform for Go culture. As we all know, Shanghai already has 8,530 cafes, ranking first in the world. Different from other cafes, when Go meets coffee shop, this place is no longer just a space for drinking coffee or reading. It has quietly transformed into a "soul stronghold" for "Go fans" in Shanghai.
It is worth noting that chess players of all ages are covered here. No matter what rank you are in, you can find a suitable "chess partner", so many people will come here because of it.
Mr. Yao, a senior Go enthusiast, said frankly that there are few places suitable for playing Go in Shanghai. There are many masters here, including many seventh- and eighth-dan wild fox players. There are children under ten years old and elderly people in their seventies. "Playing chess in a cafe feels relatively novel and the atmosphere is very good. Everyone will keep quiet and try to order a cup of coffee." Mr. Yao said.
In addition, chess players can also practice chess skills face to face, exchange experiences and make progress together. Many Go enthusiasts told reporters that compared with "online chess", "face chess" allows them to feel the charm of Go more personally and can intuitively experience the excitement and fun of live games.
Go enthusiasts are playing Go in a cafe. Photo by Yang Haiyan
A senior student at a university in Shanghai told reporters that as a "Go fan", his usual experience of playing chess online is not very good, and he feels that "face chess" is more interesting than "online chess". He saw this place on social media and it was the winter vacation, so he came here with the intention of giving it a try. He said with emotion, “In addition to playing chess, I also met a lot of new friends here, and it’s good to gain some social experience.”
Go enthusiasts are engaging in a human-machine duel with the "Yuanluobo" AI chess-playing robot. (Photo provided by interviewee)
At the exchange match on February 1, some chess players brought the "Yuanluobo" AI chess-playing robot to "meet friends through chess" to start a human-machine duel.
Let Go culture truly come into life, this gathering place for Go lovers is attracting more and more people.
Mr. Wang, an office worker, said, "I come here to play chess every week. It is difficult to meet people with whom I can play chess in person. This place is very surprising. You can find a 'chess partner' to play with when you are face to face." Go." His "chess partner" Mr. Zhang lives near the cafe and they often meet to play chess together.
"This is a 'stronghold' formed spontaneously by chess players. Although there are differences in levels between chess players, they still enjoy themselves. It not only brings everyone closer, but also allows more people to participate." Mr. Zhang said.
Chess friend Mr. Zhang said he enjoyed playing chess here. In his opinion, the fact that so many people can gather in this cafe to play chess shows that everyone is more willing to compete face-to-face and have the opportunity to communicate. It not only reflects the integration of Chinese and Western cultures, but also demonstrates the spirit of Shanghai's inclusive city. (over)