The Rise of a Go Community in a Starbucks Coffee Shop in Shanghai

A Go community has formed in a Starbucks coffee shop in Shanghai, where Go enthusiasts gather to play the strategic board game. The game, popular in East Asia, gained international attention when the artificial intelligence program AlphaGo defeated the world's top player. The Starbucks coffee shop provides a warm and quiet environment for the community, with an understanding that the players will not disturb other customers and will order coffee during their gaming sessions. The community has attracted players of all ages and skill levels, with around 400 members joining social media chat groups. The story highlights the positive impact of community-building around shared interests and the need for suitable venues for leisure activities.