Fighting Spirit
I’m reading through Ishida’s Joseki Dictionary, and came across what may be the best quote related to the study of go.
“White 5 permits an atari but it enables White to extend to 9. This is a feasible approach when Black has a stone at ‘a.’ Whatever happens, Black must give atari at 6. If one is afraid of ko, one should take up another game.”
This is appropriate advice… I hear beginners and even a few SDK complain about playing ko. Playing Go requres fighting spirit. Even if you don’t have the ability to win a game, pushing your hardest, even if the only chance you’re able to read is ko.