go-intro.md

General info

Wikipedia:

Go or Weiqi, Weichi (simplified Chinese: 围棋; traditional Chinese: 圍棋; pinyin: wéiqí) is an abstract strategy board game for two players in which the aim is to surround more territory than the opponent. The game was invented in China more than 2,500 years ago and is believed to be the oldest board game continuously played to the present day.

Rules

• Order
• Liberties ("breathing" points)
• Ko (no back and forth repetition)
• Scoring (counting territory)
  • Komi (bonus poinits for white/second player)

Ranks and handicap

• Ranks
• Handicapping

Study materials

• Interactive Go tutorial: probably the best place to start ⭐️
• Neil Moffatt's tutorial: the one that got me inspired to start learning
• GoMagic: good quality/value video courses (intro is free)
• Pandanet tutorial: a more traditional introduction
• Kiseido tutorial: another one
• Sensei Library: the most comprehensive Wiki about Go (in English)

Fun

• Josekle "wordle" for joseki (corner game patterns)

Where to play

• OGS is the most modern and beginner-friendly server for playinig Go
• Cosumi is nice for guick games against AI on small boards
• BadukPop a fun mobile app with a community, lessons, puzzles, etc. (both iOS and Android)
• AI sensei: learn from AI analysis of your games

Variations & related games

• RenGo pair Go
• DipGo multicolor (multiplayer) Go
• Dots on paper
• Miai-Go each player plays two moves at once, and their opponent decides which of the two should stay on the board