Basic Rules of Go

Go is a board game with deep historical roots, originating in ancient China and having developed over thousands of years. Today, it is most commonly played using either Japanese or Chinese rules, both of which have unique characteristics. This article will explain the basic rules of Go, how a game begins and ends, how to determine the winner, and the key differences between Japanese and Chinese rules.

1. Basic Rules of Go

Go is played on a 19×19 grid, called the Go board, using black and white stones. Players take turns placing their stones on the intersections of the grid, with the goal of surrounding more territory than their opponent. The player who controls the most territory at the end of the game is the winner.

1.1. Starting a Game

A game of Go typically begins with a method called “Nigiri” to decide who plays black (the first move) and who plays white (the second move). In Nigiri, the player who chooses white grabs a handful of black stones, and the player who chooses black guesses whether the number of stones is odd or even. If the guess is correct, the player who guessed will play black; otherwise, they will play white. In official tournaments, the player designated as black always plays first.

The player with black always makes the first move by placing a stone on any intersection on the board. This marks the beginning of the game.

1.2. Moves and Chains

Placing a stone on the board is known as a “move.” Once a stone is placed, it forms a “chain” if it is adjacent to other stones of the same color. A chain is a group of stones that are connected vertically or horizontally, and protecting these chains from being captured by the opponent is a key objective of the game.

1.3. Capturing Stones

If a group of stones (a chain) is completely surrounded by the opponent’s stones, they are captured and removed from the board. These captured stones are called “prisoners,” and their number will be counted towards the final score.

2. Ending a Game

A game of Go can end when one player decides to “pass,” meaning they choose not to place a stone on the board because they believe further moves would be disadvantageous. When both players pass consecutively, the game ends.

2.1. The Endgame and Counting

After both players have passed, the game proceeds to the counting phase. In this phase, players agree on the status of stones on the board—whether they are alive, dead, or in seki (a neutral state where neither player can capture the other’s stones). Dead stones are removed, and the territory each player controls is counted to determine the winner.

3. Determining the Winner

The winner of a Go game is determined by counting the amount of territory controlled by each player, combined with the number of captured stones (prisoners). The calculation method is as follows:

1. Territory Counting: Count the number of empty intersections surrounded by each player’s stones.
2. Captured Stones: Add the number of prisoners (captured stones) to each player’s score.
3. Handicap and Komi: In games where the white player starts second, they are usually given a score adjustment called “komi.” In Japanese rules, komi is typically 6.5 points, while in Chinese rules, it is 7.5 points. This ensures that the game is fair, given that black has the advantage of the first move.
4. Final Score: The final score is the sum of territory, captured stones, and any komi. The player with the higher score wins.

4. Differences Between Japanese and Chinese Rules

There are two primary sets of rules used in Go: the Japanese rules and the Chinese rules. While both share many similarities, there are some important differences that affect gameplay and scoring.

4.1. Background of the Rules

The Japanese rules were formalized in Japan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They are known for their precision and detailed definitions, particularly in regards to counting and the endgame.

On the other hand, the Chinese rules are based on the traditional rules of Go that have been passed down in China for millennia, with modern revisions to standardize the rules for competitive play. The Chinese rules are generally simpler in terms of counting and do not require as much endgame maintenance.

4.2. Scoring Differences

Under the Japanese rules, scoring is heavily focused on the concept of “territory,” which refers to the empty points (intersections) a player has surrounded on the board. The number of captured stones is added to this score, and the player with the higher total wins.

In Chinese rules, the scoring is based on the total number of stones on the board plus the empty points they surround. Every stone placed on the board counts as one point, and territory adds to this score. This results in a different strategic approach, as every move impacts the final score more significantly than in the Japanese rules.

4.3. The Endgame and Dead Stones

In Japanese rules, the game ends with a process called “sealing” (整地), where players agree on the status of stones (alive, dead, or in seki) and remove any dead stones before counting the final score. This process requires mutual agreement between the players.

In Chinese rules, there is no need for this sealing process. The final score is simply the sum of the stones on the board and the territory they control, which makes the endgame process quicker and more straightforward.

5. Specific Differences: Ko and Seki

5.1. The Ko Rule

Ko is a special rule in Go designed to prevent an infinite loop of moves. Under the Japanese rules, the Ko rule is very strict. It prohibits a player from making a move that would return the game to the exact same board position as the previous turn. This rule prevents the game from entering an endless cycle.

The Chinese rules also include the Ko rule, but it is less restrictive than the Japanese version. Chinese rules allow more flexibility in handling complex Ko situations, particularly when multiple Kos are involved simultaneously.

5.2. Seki (Mutual Life)

Seki refers to a situation in Go where both players have stones that are alive but cannot capture the other without sacrificing their own. In Japanese rules, intersections within a seki do not count as territory for either player.

In Chinese rules, stones in a seki can still count towards the final score, depending on the situation. This difference can significantly impact the outcome of a game, as the treatment of seki can alter the score calculation.

6. Conclusion

Go is a game of immense depth, with a simple set of rules that lead to incredibly complex strategic gameplay. The way a game starts, ends, and the method by which a winner is determined are all governed by detailed rules that vary slightly depending on whether the Japanese or Chinese rules are used.

The differences between Japanese and Chinese rules primarily lie in how territory is counted, the handling of the endgame, and specific scenarios like Ko and Seki. While both sets of rules have their origins deeply rooted in the history and culture of their respective countries, modern Go often sees the Chinese rules used in international tournaments due to their simplicity and efficiency. Nevertheless, Japanese rules remain popular among traditionalists and are still widely practiced.

Whether you choose to play by Japanese or Chinese rules, understanding the nuances of each will enrich your experience of Go, offering a greater appreciation for the strategic depth and timeless beauty of this ancient game.