What is Go?

Go, known as weiqi in China and baduk in Korea, began in China more than 2,500 years ago and is the oldest board game still played in something close to its original form. The usual board has 19×19 lines, but 9×9 is the standard way to learn and gives a complete game in about ten minutes.

How to play

• Black moves first, then the players alternate placing one stone on an empty crossing.
• Connected stones form a group. Empty points touching a group are its liberties.
• A group with no liberties is captured and removed.
• You may not play a stone with no liberties unless it captures something.
• Ko: you may not immediately retake a single stone if that would repeat the position.
• When neither side gains by playing, both pass. Dead stones are removed automatically and the game is scored.

Scoring

This game uses area scoring: your stones on the board plus the empty points you surround. White receives komi for moving second, 6.5 points on 9×9 and 5.5 on 7×7.

Strategy

• A group with two separate eyes can never be captured.
• Corners are easiest to secure, then the sides, then the centre.
• On a small board, keep your groups connected and cut your opponent's.

Ways to play

• Against the computer: four levels. Wins raise your rating, which sets your place on the leaderboard.
• Quick match: an online opponent, with a computer player stepping in if nobody is around.
• Play a friend: make a private room and send the code or link.
• One screen: two players take turns on the same device.

FAQ

Is 9×9 Go good for beginners? Yes. Games are short, and every rule from the full game applies.

What is komi? Points given to White to make up for Black moving first.

How does the game know which stones are dead? After both players pass, it plays the position out many times, then removes stones that are nearly always captured.