Cho Chikun: The Unparalleled Master

Aug 19

Written By Zee Yan

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Cho Chikun is considered by many to be the greatest Go player of the modern era. Born in 1956 in Busan, South Korea, he moved to Japan as a 6-year-old prodigy in 1962 to train under legendary Go master Minoru Kitani. Cho quickly rose through the ranks, winning his first major title at just 16.

What set Cho apart was his incredible versatility and balance as a player. While contemporaries like Takemiya pioneered specific styles, Cho excelled in all facets of the game. His play was marked by ruthless efficiency, creativity, and precision.

An Era of Utter Dominance

For over two decades, Cho dominated the Go world unlike anyone before or since. From 1983-2004, he held at least one major title every single year - a feat unmatched in duration. Cho amassed an astounding 25 major titles over his career. His tally of 10 Meijin and 9 Honinbo titles are records that still stand today.

Cho achieved two perfect years in 1989 and 2000, holding all seven major Japanese titles simultaneously - a monumental achievement. His brilliance made Cho a celebrity and bolstered Go's popularity like no other player.

Comeback King

Cho demonstrated relentless determination against all odds. Down 0-3 in matches multiple times, including against rival Kobayashi for the Honinbo title, Cho battled back to claim victory 4-3. This resilience defines his unmatched mental toughness.

Pushing the Game's Limits

Cho's legacy extends beyond trophies. He pioneered openings like the Magnetic Central Pawn, reviving central play. His teachings emphasize flexibility, precision, and global vision.

Now a Zen monk, Cho distilled his wisdom into classic books like Positional Judgment and Life and Death by the Numbers. He also helped develop widely used Go teaching software, spreading his insights.

A Legacy That Endures

Now in his sixties, Cho's era of dominance has passed. But his brilliant versatility remains an inspiration. For aspiring players, Cho proves the power of fundamentals, creativity, and determination. Cho Chikun embodied the infinite potential of Go itself.

Cho Chikun's Major Titles

1973: 5th Shin-Ei
1974: 6th Shin-Ei
1975: 12th Pro Best Ten
1976: 1st Top Eight Players
1976: 24th Oza
1977: 8th Shin-Ei
1979: 4th Gosei
1979: High Dans Oteai
1980: 5th Meijin
1981: 36th Honinbo
1981: 6th Meijin
1982: 37th Honinbo
1982: 20th Judan
1982: 4th Kakusei
1982: 7th Meijin
1983: 7th Kakusei
1983: 7th Kisei
1983: 8th Meijin
1983: 30th NHK Cup
1984: 8th Kisei
1984: 9th Meijin
1984: 3rd NEC Cup
1985: 9th Kisei
1985: 4th NEC Cup
1986: 11th Gosei
1986: 18th Hayago Championship
1986: 19th Hayago Championship
1987: 13th Tengen
1988: 1st China-Japan Tengen
1988: 26th Judan
1988: 14th Tengen
1989: 2nd China-Japan Tengen
1989: 44th Honinbo
1989: 27th Judan
1990: 23rd Hayago Championship
1990: 45th Honinbo
1991: 4th Fujitsu Cup
1991: 24th Hayago Championship
1991: 46th Honinbo
1991: 1st Ryusei
1992: 25th Hayago Championship
1992: 47th Honinbo
1992: 39th NHK Cup
1993: 48th Honinbo
1993: 3rd Ryusei
1994: 49th Honinbo
1994: 18th Kisei
1994: 42nd Oza
1995: 50th Honinbo
1996: 29th Hayago Championship
1996: 51st Honinbo
1996: 2nd JT Cup
1996: 20th Kisei
1996: 21st Meijin
1996: 43rd NHK Cup
1997: 52nd Honinbo
1997: 21st Kisei
1997: 22nd Meijin
1998: 53rd Honinbo
1998: 22nd Kisei
1998: 23rd Meijin
1999: 23rd Kisei
1999: 24th Meijin
2000: 19th NEC Cup
2001: 34th Hayago Championship
2001: 20th NEC Cup
2001: 49th Oza
2002: 9th Agon Cup
2002: 4th China-Japan Agon Cup
2002: 35th Hayago Championship
2002: 8th Ricoh Pair Go Cup
2003: 9th Ricoh Pair Go Cup
2003: 8th Samsung Cup
2004: 2nd JAL Super Hayago
2005: 43rd Judan
2006: 44th Judan
2007: 45th Judan
2007: 54th NHK Cup
2008: 14th Ricoh Pair Go Cup
2011: 1st Igo Masters Cup
2014: 4th Igo Masters Cup
2015: 5th Igo Masters Cup
2019: 9th Igo Masters Cup

Honors and Milestones

Cho reached several career win milestones that no other player has achieved, including:
- 1,000 wins in 1999
- 1,200 wins in 2005
- 1,300 wins in 2008
- 1,400 wins in 2012
- 1,500 wins in 2017, the first-ever player to attain this mark
He holds the record for most Kido Prizes for "Most Outstanding Player", having won this prestigious award 9 times.
Cho also holds the record for most Shusai Prizes, taking home this honor 9 times over his illustrious career.
Other accolades include the Japan Igo Journalist Club Prize in 1986 and the Chiba City Honor Award in 1996.