Go (game)

Go is a two-player abstract strategy board game in which players place black and white stones on a grid to control territory and capture opposing stones.

Go is a two-player abstract strategy board game that originated in ancient China. Players place stones on a grid to control territory and capture opposing stones.

How Go is played

Black and white stones are placed on intersections of a grid. Black moves first, and players alternate. Stones do not move after placement. Groups of stones with no liberties are captured and removed from the board. Standard boards are 19×19, but 13×13 and 9×9 are also common.

Scoring and ending a game

The goal is to control more territory and capture more stones than your opponent. The game typically ends when both players pass consecutively. After passing, the board is scored by counting controlled territory and captured stones. The player with a higher total wins.

Go in Canada and beyond

Go is one of the oldest board games, dating back about 4,000 years to China. It spread to Japan and Korea, where it became deeply embedded in culture. Today, Go is played worldwide, and Canada has an active community with clubs, tournaments, and teaching resources in major cities and universities.