China is believed to have been the origin of the Go board game, which dates back 2,500 years. The game was once used to determine the fate of Tibet after a Buddhist ruler refused to go to war. Chess is an analogous game of skill, except that it has different rules and challenges the players’ analytical and intuitive abilities. The grid of this territorial board game is 19×19, although Go for beginners consists of smaller boards of 9×9 and 13×13. Go is also available in a portable form (called Flip it) that makes it easy to take along. In the early centuries, people played on 17×17 grids, but by the time it was introduced in Korea and Japan, 19×19 grids had become the official game.
There are pieces called ‘stones’ in this game. One player uses black stones, the other uses black stones. The game starts with an empty board, where participants take turns placing stones on various vacant areas. First, the black stones are placed at the intersections of the lines, and once they are placed, they cannot be moved unless they are captured. When a stone is surrounded by an opponent’s stones in all adjacent positions, it is captured. During the 그레잇게임, players stake their claims on parts of the board that they want to occupy. The players count the vacant intersections on their territory and add them to the number of stones they’ve captured at the end of the game. The player with the highest total wins.
WHY LEARN TO PLAY GO?
The first reason players learn how to play the game is that it makes it a great hobby or sport. While helping players balance their defensive and offensive strategies, the game reveals the different personalities of players. Furthermore, the players recognize their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their ability to adapt quickly to changing situations. The reason players prefer this game over Chess is because it rewards creativity and does not require constant memorization or in-depth analysis of the player’s position.
HOW TO PLAY GO
It is the objective of the game for players to occupy vacant areas on the board with stones to form territories.
In the beginning of the game, players should place their stones near handicap markers. These are usually located in the corners of the board. This way, the player is at an advantage of gaining corner positions that help gain territory and are easy to defend.
As easy as it is to capture stones at the edge of the board, players should only place them there. Two stones are typically needed to capture a corner, while three stones are required to capture a side. Nevertheless, players must capture stones in the open area.
If looking to occupy an open area, consider building off a stable structure. You get to protect your stones and create a broader base for subsequent moves.
Avoid placing your stones close to your opponent’s. You don’t want to allow them to gain more considerable influence when you are chasing stones.
Avoid placing your stones on your opponent’s territory. You are only providing them with free stones for capture. This strategy works when you are confident of capturing his stones.
GO BOARD GAME RULES
Instructions, Rules and Strategies for Go
- When the game begins, the board is empty unless players agree to place a handicap
- The first move should always be made by Black towards the upper right corner of the board
- The second move is made by White towards the lower right corner
- When a player places a stone on a vacant intersection, he has made a move
- Passing turns is allowed between players
- The game ends with two successive passes
- Whoever occupies the most space wins
- All the points a player surrounds make up his area
- Whenever the enemy occupies adjacent intersections, a stone should be removed
- WINNING GO GAME STRATEGIES
1. KEEP THE STONES CONNECTED
Players can quickly occupy territory by connecting stones into large groups. A player can, for example, form a group of six by placing two adjacent stones at the centre of the board to capture the opponent’s stone. By connecting stones, it becomes easier to share liberties.
2. GAIN TERRITORY
For beginners, it is an essential Go strategy. According to experts, it’s more important than capturing the opponent’s stones. Walls can be built around the empty intersections on the board to gain territory.
3. PROTECT YOUR STONES
Try to protect your stones, and if you don’t have moves to your advantage, you can pass. You give your opponents more points the more stones you have played. When you notice that your opponent is stronger than you and he offers you a handicap, accept it.