Clarkesworld Magazine The Stone Played at Tengen by R.H. Wesley (audio)
Nov 1, 2025
A celestial phenomenon creates a unique go board in the sky, captivating Hirata and his wife Suru. As they navigate the complexities of the game, Hirata reflects on his childhood lessons and his love for Suru, whose health is fading. The story intertwines scientific debate with spiritual omens, as go professionals ponder whether the stars respond to their moves. Tensions rise as the players question if they should continue or resign. Amidst this, personal grief and nostalgia shape their understanding of love and competition.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Celestial Goboard As Omen
- The sudden 19x19 star grid appears as a Go board with a missing center star played as Black at Tengen.
- Hirata interprets the celestial pattern as a divine or communicative sign tied to his wife's fate.
Grandfather's Gift Shaped A Life
- Hirata recounts learning Go from his grandfather and becoming obsessed, receiving the grandfather's goban and stones.
- That training propelled him to the capital and shaped his life as a celebrated professional player.
Science Versus Symbolic Meaning
- Experts debate whether the star grid is natural or intelligent, with Mochizuki insisting it's a Go game and scientists proposing physical explanations.
- The council opts to treat the phenomenon as communication and seeks Go players' help to respond.