Go — The Ancient Game of Strategy
Go (围棋/Weiqi) is one of the oldest board games in the world, originating in China over 2,500 years ago. It is renowned for its deep strategy and elegant simplicity. The goal is simple: control more territory than your opponent by placing stones on the board intersections.
How to Play
Getting Started:
- Black moves first.
- Players take turns placing stones on empty intersections.
- Surround your opponent's stones to capture them.
- Control territory by surrounding empty areas.
- Game ends when both players pass consecutively.
- White receives 6.5 komi (compensation) for going second.
The player with the highest score (territory + captures + komi) wins!
Rules & Terminology
Key Rules:
- Liberties: A stone has 4 liberties (adjacent empty intersections).
- Capture: Remove opponent stones with no liberties.
- Ko: Cannot immediately recapture a single stone to prevent infinite loops.
- Suicide: Cannot place a stone with no liberties unless it captures.
- Territory: Empty points completely surrounded by your stones.
Strategic Tips: - Control the center for maximum influence. - Learn to recognize atari (threats to capture). - Balance offense and defense wisely.
Strategy
Tips
Strong play usually comes from tempo, risk control, and converting small advantages.
- Play lines that keep your options open.
- Protect key assets and avoid overextending.
- Force your opponent into predictable responses.
Why Play Go?
- Timeless Classic: Play the same game played by emperors and philosophers for millennia.
- Deep Strategy: Simple rules but infinite strategic depth.
- Mental Challenge: Improves concentration, pattern recognition, and foresight.
- Quick Games: Games on 9x9 are fast-paced while 19x19 offers full strategic complexity.
- AI Opponent: Practice against an adaptive AI at your own pace.
FAQ
What are the board sizes?
9x9 is great for quick games and beginners. 13x13 offers a balance of strategy and speed. 19x19 is the classic full-size board used in professional play.
What is komi?
Komi is compensation given to White for going second. In this game, White receives 6.5 points, which is the standard in professional play.
How do I capture stones?
Surround your opponent's stones so they have no empty adjacent points (liberties). When the last liberty is filled, the stone or group is removed and added to your capture count.
What is the Ko rule?
The Ko rule prevents an infinite game by forbidding a move that would recreate the exact board position from the previous turn. This prevents players from endlessly recapturing a single stone.
Can I undo moves?
Yes! You can undo your last move if it's your turn. This is useful for reviewing positions or correcting mistakes.
How does the AI work?
The AI evaluates moves based on captures, territory, center control, and local threats. It adapts its strategy throughout the game based on the current board state.
Ready to play Go / Weiqi?
Launch the free demo, learn the flow, and practice tactics before higher stakes.
