Chapters 9-12 Summary

Chapter 9 returns to the ceremonial opening of the game between the Master and Otake. Dressed in formal Japanese garb, the players meet in a parlor of the Koyokan. Also present are Uragami, the editor of his newspaper, the directors of the Japanese Go Association, and several other highly-ranked go and chess players. After some brief words by the dignitaries, the players seat themselves at the go board. The Master, being of the higher rank, plays the white stones. Otake, the challenger, has the black stones and plays first. Otake makes a conservative opening play, and the Master considers his first play.

The Master seems about to place his white stone on the board when Otake reminds him that the agreement was that his opening play would be "sealed." The Master goes with one of the judges to a private room and...