Go rules at a glance
Black plays first, then the players alternate placing one stone on an empty intersection. Stones that are fully surrounded — with no empty neighbouring point, or liberty, left — are captured. You may not retake a ko immediately or play a suicide move. When both players pass in a row, dead stones are removed and each side counts stones on the board plus surrounded territory; White adds komi (7.5 by default) and the higher total wins.
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FAQ
Which board size should I choose?
Start with 9×9: a game takes about ten minutes and is perfect for learning capturing and life and death. 13×13 mixes opening and fighting, and 19×19 is the full game. On a phone, switch to “Top view” for 19×19 and use tap-to-preview: tap once to see the stone, tap again to place it.
How does the game end and who wins?
When both players pass in a row the counting phase begins. Dead stones are marked automatically; tap a stone to fix a wrong mark, then both players press Accept. The board is counted with area scoring plus komi. Either player can also resign at any time.
Why can’t I play on that point?
Either it is a ko your opponent has just taken (marked with a red ×), which you may not retake at once, or the move would be suicide, leaving your stones with no liberties. A move that captures is never suicide.
Do I need an account? How do I play with a friend?
Games against the AI and pass-and-play on one device need no sign-in. Online games and rankings need a GameNow account. Tap “Invite a friend” to get a room code and link; when your friend opens it they join instantly and the game starts.
Is there a time limit?
Online games allow 60 seconds per move. Running out of time during play loses the game; running out during the counting phase simply accepts the current marking.