Sakata Eio: The Razor-Sharp Master of Attack
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In the world of competitive Go, few names command more respect than the legendary Sakata Eio. At the peak of his powers in the 1960s, Sakata dominated the Japanese Go scene unlike anyone before. His fiercely aggressive style and unmatched reading ability made him a larger-than-life figure in the Go world.
Nicknamed "The Razor" for his sharp, brilliant tactics, Sakata revolutionized the middle game phase. He would bide his time during the opening, then ruthlessly seize control once complex fighting began. Even top professionals struggled to predict Sakata's next move during chaotic battles.
An Era of Supremacy
For nearly a decade, Sakata was practically unstoppable. He once won an astounding 29 straight games from 1963-1964, a Japanese record that still stands. During this stretch, Sakata claimed virtually every major title, including the Honinbo and Meijin simultaneously - a first.
Sakata's dominance was defined by aggressive, unconventional play backed by superb reading skills. He turned supposedly weak groups into impenetrable fortresses. Sakata played to attack, not calmly defend - a philosophy that yielded 64 career titles.
Lasting Impact
Though new stars emerged, Sakata continued winning titles into the 1980s. When he finally retired in 2000 at age 80, his legacy was firmly cemented. Sakata popularized the middle game's dynamic complexity. To this day, his ingeniously complex shapes are studied by professionals worldwide.
Go masters concur - if not for the brilliant Go Seigen, Sakata may have been the strongest player of his era. But regardless, Sakata Eio stands tall as an enduring legend who pushed Go to new heights.
Sakata’s English Publications from Amazon
Killer of Go:
The Middle Game of Go:
Modern Joseki and Fuseki Vol. 1: Parallel Fuseki:
Modern Joseki and Fuseki. Volume Two: The Opening Theory of Go:
Tesuji and Anti-Suji of Go:
Amazing Happenings in the Game of Go 1:
Amazing Happenings in the Game of Go 2:
Amazing Happenings in the Game of Go 3:
