Satoru Kobayashi

Satoru Kobayashi
Full name	Satoru Kobayashi
Kanji	小林覚
Born	April 5, 1959 (1959-04-05) Matsumoto, Japan
Residence	Tokyo, Japan
Teacher	Minoru Kitani
Turned pro	1974
Rank	9 dan
Affiliation	Nihon Ki-in

Satoru Kobayashi (小林覚, Kobayashi Satoru, born April 5, 1959) is a professional Go player.

Biography

Satoru Kobayashi is a professional Go player, who plays for the Japanese Nihon Ki-in. His rank is 9 dan, and he is known for his pincer style. He has one brother and sister, who are also professionals - Chizu Kobayashi and Kenji Kobayashi.

Suspension

In the beginning of 2001, Kobayashi was suspended by the Nihon Ki-in. He had accidentally injured his Chunlan Cup opponent Ryu Shikun while they were drinking at a bar, by gesturing with his hand while it held a brandy glass, breaking the glass, gashing Ryu Shikun's cheek and his own hand. Kobayashi offered to retire from Go, but the Nihon Ki-in set that offer aside. The Chinese and Koreans both pled for clemency toward him; the suspension was shortened from a year to 8 months, and Kobayashi was allowed to play in September.

Promotion record

Rank	Year	Notes
1 dan	1974
2 dan
3 dan
4 dan
5 dan
6 dan
7 dan
8 dan
9 dan	1987

Titles and runners-up

Domestic
Title	Wins	Runners-up
Kisei	1 (1995)	3 (1996, 1997, 2007)
Meijin		1 (2005)
Gosei	1 (1995)	4 (1990–1992, 1996)
Agon Cup	1 (1998)	2 (1995, 2005)
Ryusei	1 (1996)
NHK Cup	1 (1995)	2 (1989, 1996)
NEC Cup	1 (1998)	3 (1985, 1996, 2006)
Kakusei		1 (1996)
Shin-Ei	1 (1982)	1 (1985)
NEC Shun-Ei	1 (1987)
Hayago Championship	2 (1999, 2000)
Total	10	17
Continental
Asian TV Cup		1 (1989)
Total	0	1
International
Samsung Cup		1 (1997)
Tong Yang Cup		1 (1997)
IBM Cup	1 (1990)
Total	1	2
Career total
Total	11	20