How to Play

Go

2-2 players 30-180 min 7.7 Board Game Geek Rating

Go is an ancient strategy game where two players take turns placing stones on a 19x19 grid's intersections. Victory comes from controlling the most territory while capturing opponent stones. When both players pass, scores are calculated by counting controlled space minus captured pieces. Despite simple rules, Go offers profound tactical depth.

Published -2200

Get Ready

Setup the game with these step-by-step instructions before diving into your turn.

The board is initially empty

Standard board is 19x19, though 9x9 boards are used for beginners

Black plays first

In handicap games between players of uneven strength, black receives extra stones placed on the board at the start, and white plays first

On Your Turn

What you can do during your turn.

Either place a stone on a vacant intersection OR pass (giving a stone to the opponent as a prisoner)

Capturing:

Surround opponent's stones by occupying all adjacent empty intersections (liberties) next to a block; captured stones are removed and kept as prisoners

Illegal moves:

A group with two internal liberties (eyes) cannot be captured

Play continues until both players pass consecutively and white has passed last