You already know how to play Go online – a noble game, right? The ultimate goal is to surround more territory than your opponent. So what makes this game interesting?
Let’s explore it together with Vaobo88 through the following article.
Overview of Go
What is Go?
Go is one of the oldest intellectual sports in the world. It uses black and white stones to determine its territory.
Throughout the game of Go, players will place stones to define their territory. Whoever surrounds more territory will win.
To learn more about Go, let’s dive deeper right after this.
History of Go
Watching movies, you might think that South Korea plays Go, but it actually originated from neighboring China over 2500 years ago.
In ancient China, Go was one of the four arts of the Chinese elite. The nobility and intellectuals were taught to play from a young age.
Chess is also a popular intellectual game.The influence of Go
According to statistics, as of 2008, there were over 40 million Go players worldwide. Most Go players come from Southeast Asia.
As of December 2015, the International Go Federation had: 75 member countries and 4 member associations worldwide.
Therefore, dear players, learn how to play this noble game to join the intellectual community.
How to play Go online
The way to play Go is not as difficult as you think. After reading this section, you can apply it right away.
Go board
The board is square. It has 19 horizontal and vertical lines intersecting to create 361 points. Nine points are marked as stars.
This is the Go board with black and white stonesAdditionally, there is also a 13*13 board. But after mastering it, you can explore that later. First, learn the basic way to play Go.
Stones
There are black and white stones. They are placed next to each other to form groups. The empty points next to the stones are called liberties.
Each turn, only one stone can be placed, with black going first. The game continues until a player’s stones run out of liberties, at which point they are removed from the board.
Important stages in the way to play Go
The stages of a Go game are important for players to understand. Both beginners and experienced players must grasp this point.
Opening stage
This stage is also known as the opening phase. The opening stage will determine the face of a game.
Most of the moves made by players will be used to secure large areas of the board. This will be applied using one or two stones.
Each stage of the Go game has a different level of importance.Typically, Go players will occupy territories by taking corners, mostly moving into the stars.
You should be very careful in your opening moves. From there, you can develop a game position as desired.
Mid-game stage
The two players will calculate and compete for territory with each other. Place the Go stones in a way that expands as much as possible and limits the opponent’s range.
It can be said that in this stage, players will demonstrate their intelligence. This leads to important victories that lie in the endgame stage.
Endgame stage
After going through fierce battles to determine territory and compete with each other. This stage usually does not see many changes in the balance of power between the two sides.
Players will arrange and complete their territories. This helps clearly define the territories of both sides and facilitates scoring.
Online Go game rules
Some basic principles and rules of the Go game that you should try to remember. It’s not too difficult, Vaobo88 will summarize it briefly!
First move
A game of Go must start with an empty board. The black stones are allowed to go first in all situations.
However, there will be some exceptions. For example, in handicap games, the white stones will go first.
Do not place stones incorrectly on the board
The Go stones must be placed at the intersections of the lines. They cannot be placed inside the squares like in chess!
Do not move a stone twice
Once the stones are placed on the board, they cannot be moved or relocated. Players will be penalized if they intentionally move or reposition a stone.
Feel free to pass your turn if you want
Finally, players have the right to pass their turn if they wish. If both players pass, the game of Go will end.
At that point, everyone will count the territory both sides have captured and determine the winner.
Winning online Go strategies
Go requires high strategic thinking. It demands that players make wise moves to win.
Some Go strategies will help you.
Smart Go playing: Do not capture stones at all costs
The essence of Go is how much territory you can surround. It does not matter how many of the opponent’s stones you capture.
Therefore, be cautious in your moves to capture the opponent’s stones. Ensure that those moves help increase your surrounding area.
Intelligent Go playing: Do not make unnecessary moves
In any type of game, making unnecessary moves can waste many of your opportunities. You need to have plans for gains and losses in each move.
Do not give your opponent opportunities for victory stemming from your mistakes.
Practice your skills a lot
This is one of the important things that makes you a good Go player.
Practicing helps you improve your fighting ability. Learn from your mistakes.
If a player is good at Go but does not cultivate their inherent abilities, it is very likely that their talent will fade away.
How to play Go seriously
As long as you focus and seriously commit to something, you can master it. The same goes for Go.
Whether playing Go for fun or to earn money online, being serious will also help you win.
Meaning of Go
Go carries many profound and refined meanings. One of them is the artistic and humanitarian aspect it brings to the players.
White and black stones on a board.The opposition on the Go board reflects compromise and harmony. Unlike chess or checkers, where pieces are captured and checkmated.
According to ancient wisdom, practicing Go brings five benefits:
- Finding a good friend.
- Achieving a peaceful mind.
- Learning many valuable lessons.
- Living a long life.
- Learning to see through human emotions and situations.
Some famous Go masters
Some famous Go masters in the world:
Go Seigen – South Korea
The creator of modern theories on Go playing. Seigen is one of the rare talents in the world of Go.
Kitani Minoru – Japan
Regarded as one of the most successful Go players of the century. He opened a school and has created many talented Go players.
Famous Go player – Kitani Minoru (Kitani Minoru).Cho Nam Chul – South Korea
He paved the way and laid the foundation for Go in South Korea. Without him, the game of Go would have only remained among noble families.
Yamashita Keigo – Japan
He is a true Go artist. He created the speed Go game.
Although his playing style is not extraordinary, many people love his game positions.
Conclusion on how to play Go
What is Go? How to play Go and basic rules of Go? All have been specifically answered in the article above.
Wishing you victory with these tips for playing Go well from Vaobo88.
