, in which a man and a woman play alternate moves on the same side, has been considered a frivolous diversion. But we believe that if you actually try this system out you will find that it produces a very interesting game. . . .Not only do you have to analyze the moves made by your opponents; you also have to read out the meaning of your partner's moves. . . . Before the game is over, however, it is virtually certain that your partner will play some stones that will either move you to admiration or leave you perplexed, providing a zest that you never have found in the individual game. When a one-on-one game becomes two-on-two, new elements are added, and new questions arise in the formulation of strategy.
-- The International Pair Go Association

Pair Go, in which male-female teams compete for prizes and the right to play for their country in the yearly International Pair Go Championship, has grown rapidly in popularity since its inception in the late 1980's. The International Pair Go Association believes that bringing more women into the game will make it more popular with all players. They also aim to introduce a social element to a game that can be a solitary pursuit.

In Canada, we hold a Pair Go tournament as part of the Canadian Open (usually on the labour day monday). At this tournament points are awarded based on the pair's place, and also for participation. Since the International Pair Go competition is aiming to encourage participation more than competition every pair may have the chance to represent Canada over time through accumulation of participation points.

Points System Rules (introduced in 2004):

1. Each player on the first place pair gets 6 points, on the second gets 4 and players on the third are awarded 3.
2. All other participants who complete the entire tournament receive 2 points.
3. Points are accumulated each year, and are rest to zero when a trip is awarded.
4. Each pair member retains his or her points, should a team split up.
5. Pairs are made of one female and one male person.
6. To be eligible to represent Canada at the Pair Go Championship a pair must meet the tournament eligibility requirements (primarily Canadian citizenship, but also attire and demeanor), and not been a Canadian pair representative in the last 3 years.
7. Any CGA member may acquire pair go points to be used in the future if they become eligible to represent Canada.
8. A pair of eligible players who cannot attend the Canadian Open may register with the organizers as a Pair interested in being the Canadian Representatives.
9. The Pair to represent Canada will be the pair with the leading point total between pairs participating in the tournament and non-attending pairs who preregistered.
10. To retain their points players must remain CGA members. If their membership expires they have until the next Canadian Open to renew their membership; if they do not do so their points are reset to 0. Players whose membership expires at the current open have a grace period until end september to renew.
11. If there is a tie in points the Pair finishing highest in this years tournament will be selected.If the tie is between non attending pairs a random selection will be made. If there are no eligible pairs then the CGA president will select an alternative pair. Preference will be given to pairs who competed at the CGA pair tournament in the past 5 years but have not represented Canada in the interim. The president is encouraged to select a pair with a strong record of attendance and performance at pair go tournaments. The actual choice shall be at the President's sole discretion. If no such pair can be found who are able and willing the CGA President will nominate an eligible female, who will then select an eligible male for her partner.

Current Pair Go Point totals * Points set to zero for trip
** Points set to zero for membership expired
*** Ineligible for 2011 since they were a recent representative
x Points earned in the online pair tournament

For rules on how the tournament should be run the document describing the Canadian Open includes a section on Pair Go. The original 2002 version can be found here, and the 2008 proposed updated version (synched up with the Point system above) can be found here.

Related Links

• World Pair Go Association
• Official Pair Go Rules
• Japanese Pair Go Association