With go there are three very different stages of learning (has something to do with the fact that there are different sized boards). First you learn the rules -

With go there are three very different stages of learning (has something to do with the fact that there are different sized boards). First you learn the rules - how to place the pieces, when is a group alive etc. Then you learn tactics: how are pieces 2-3 spaces apart linked, common patterns, counting etc. Finally you can make use of the 19x19 board and learn strategy - like how it's better to control corners rather then edges and edges rather then the center. At each step you will get totaled by people who are ahead of you because each step gives you a completely new way of seeing the game. And you can't cheat and "learn ahead": strategy without tactics is useless. Also, if you hate losing, for the love of god never play online. Sometimes it looks like half the population of Korea is online playing the other half, and when they classify themselves as "beginners" it usually means they can beat you while watching TV.