About the Game

Play Go online free — also known as Weiqi (围棋) or Baduk (바둑). Go is one of the oldest board games in the world, originating in China over 4,000 years ago. Two players take turns placing black and white stones on a 19x19 grid, competing to surround the most territory while capturing opponent stones. Challenge a computer bot or friends in the browser, no download required.

Basic Rules

1. 1Two players alternate placing stones (Black first) on the intersections of a 19x19 grid.
2. 2Stones cannot be moved once placed, but can be captured by surrounding them.
3. 3A group of connected stones is captured when all its liberties (adjacent empty points) are filled.
4. 4The ko rule prevents immediate recapture of a single stone that would recreate the previous board position.
5. 5A player may pass instead of placing a stone. The game ends when both players pass consecutively.
6. 6Territory is counted as empty intersections fully enclosed by your stones.
7. 7Captured stones (prisoners) are added to the opponent's territory count.
8. 8The player with the most territory plus captures wins. White receives komi (compensation points) for going second.

Frequently asked questions

How do you play Go?

Two players alternate placing stones (Black first) on the intersections of a 19x19 grid. Stones cannot be moved once placed, but can be captured by surrounding them. A group of connected stones is captured when all its liberties (adjacent empty points) are filled. The ko rule prevents immediate recapture of a single stone that would recreate the previous board position. A player may pass instead of placing a stone. The game ends when both players pass consecutively. Territory is counted as empty intersections fully enclosed by your stones. Captured stones (prisoners) are added to the opponent's territory count. The player with the most territory plus captures wins. White receives komi (compensation points) for going second.

How many players can play Go?

2 players

Is Go free to play on LUDOCCA?

Yes. Go is free to play on LUDOCCA. Create an account, join a public room, or invite friends to a private match — no download required.

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